98 Point Vintage - Wine Spectator Magazine’s editor in chief, James Laube
The 2010 Young Ridge Premium Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is revealing all of the beautiful notes that only come from a perfectly aged Napa Cab. Rich leather, dark chocolate, mahogany, cherry compote, and allspice. Flavors are equally rich and nuanced with violets, tobacco, sandalwood, hints of smoke and cherry. A rich nutty flavor has emerged from the aging process. After aging gracefully for nearly 10 years, the tannins glide over your palate leaving you thoroughly satisfied with an exceptionally smooth mouthfeel.
The Vineyards (owned by Leroy & Patty Young) The Young Ridge Estate Vineyard is surrounded by two vineyard blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon. These blocks sit high on the ridge to the west of the town of Napa adjoining to Brown's Valley. This area on the edge of the Carneros district is characterized by a long, moderately cool growing season sweetened by the breezes and lingering fog of the San Pablo Bay. This provides optimum conditions for the slow, even ripening of and perfect balance in Cabernet Sauvignon.
Winemaker Julianna Beckmann Gosling started her winemaking career as an intern at Robert Mondavi Winery, and after graduating from the University of California at Davis, she worked at both Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards. Today Julianna oversees all aspects of the winemaking process, shepherding the wines through from vineyard to bottle.
"WARM DAYS, COLD NIGHTS, AND ROCKY, WELL DRAINED SOILS ARE AN IDEAL COMBINATION FOR THIS WORLD CLASS CABERNET SAUVIGNON." ~ Juliana Beckman Gosling
VINTAGE: 2010
APPELLATION: Napa Valley
VARIETAL: 86% Cabernet, 5% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot, 4% Cab Franc
ABV: 15.22%
PH: 3.72
TA: 0.68
AGING: Aged 24 months 100% French Oak (40% new)
WINEMAKER: Julianna Beckmann Gosling
95 Points
Displays a bright ruby hue. The nose reveals red cherries, bright red berries, subtle spring florals, and pie spices. On the palate, cherry cola, black tea, and liquid saline/minerals dominate, backed by vibrant, fresh acidity. It remains clean and elegant, with a young, firm structure and satiny tannin grip that suggests a decade of positive evolution in the cellar. A solid, well-made effort from this world class vineyard.
