"This is the Reynoso's best Cabernet yet." - Ben Pearson
- San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Judge
Lately in the wine industry there seems to be a lot of interest in obscure grape varieties both grown in their native homelands and grown here in California, and with so much exciting wines available on the market, it is easy to get caught up and forget about the classics. But when you taste a wine like the 2010 Reynoso Estate Cabernet, you remember why certain grapes and growing areas became famous in the first place. Alexander Valley leaves its own signature on a wine, and this 2010 from Reynoso beautifully captures the place, while at the same time expressing classic Cabernet characteristics as well.
The 2010 Reynoso Estate Cabernet, from Joe and Elena Reynoso’s vineyard in the Alexander Valley, is deep garnet in color, verging on purple. The nose shows black cherry, kirsch, mineral and violets, all the distinctive aromas of Cabernet Sauvignon, along with the slightest hint of bell pepper or dried herb, which is so crucial to varietally correct Cabernet. The palate has more cherry and berry, along with a strong iron component that makes the palate unique. Firm tannins hint at a long life ahead in the cellar, and the wine remains impeccably balanced through a long, fruit driven finish. This wine is a great bargain the release price of $34, at $28 it is surely not to be missed.
Vineyard
The fruit for this wine was harvested from a 1.5 acre vineyard parcel with a SSW facing slope 450 feet above the Russian River. Planted in 1998 in challenging terrain with great soil for Cabernet, the vineyard faces many challenges during the growing season. This block requires a specially designed fertilizing, irrigating, and leaf-pulling regimen to keep the vines in optimal health for growing perfect Cabernet.
Winemaking
This parcel also required a retro-fit of its trellising system to optimize ripening time. All work is done by hand: from leaf-pulling and green drop, to harvesting into half-ton bins. Once the growing season is over, the fruit is gently crushed into half ton bins, where they undergo a slow, cool fermentation with 2-3 gentle punch downs per day. When fermentation is complete they pump the juice into French barrels, where they finish secondary fermentation and gently age for about 20 months. As with many of their wines, they're inspired by the great wine-growing regions of France, where minimal manipulation allows the elegance of the terroir to be most fully expressed.
VARIETAL: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
VINEYARDS: Estate - Hillside Fruit
APPELLATION: Alexander Valley
ALCOHOL: 14.0% by volume
PRODUCTION: 24 Barrels
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
95 Points
Lofty aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and plum mingle with hints of baking spices and a touch of violet. The palate reveals luscious flavors of ripe berries, complemented by notes of black pepper and a subtle earthiness. With well-integrated tannins and a long lingering finish.
92 Points
Inviting aromas of ripe cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate. The palate unfolds with layered flavors of black cherry, raspberry cordial, vanilla bean and spice, where focused tannins envelop, leading to a rich red fruit finish with blue fruit undertones.
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.
