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
98 Points
Deep purple hue and an alluring aromatic profile of fresh blue fruits and delicate violets. On the palate, it delivers a seamless and layered texture, framed by supple, polished tannins and a refined sense of balance. Elegantly structured, it offers remarkable purity and finesse, finishing with graceful length and poise.
97 Points
Lush and fleshy, with cassis, boysenberry, and blackberry notes guided by hints of alder and mesquite. Stays open but defined through the finish, with a buried hint of sweet tobacco. A rich, layered beast, this has a nose rife with currants, blackberries, vanilla, and light toast with flavors of mocha, plum, and Bing cherry that mingle harmoniously on the tongue.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
