2010 Cabernet Sauvignon is rated 94 points by The International Wine Review:
Medium dark garnet. This is by far our favorite of the 2008-2010 Library Reserve Trio. It has an enticing, multifaceted nose of cassis, sweet oak, and a hint of forest floor. The palate has a velvet texture and is densely flavored and elegant with fine-grained tannins. Still a youthful wine with a long life ahead. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 21 months in 90% new French oak; 14.1% alc.
From the estate’s 18-acre biodynamic mountain vineyard at 2,00o feet elevation, we are constantly in awe of the dynamism of these wines. Starting with rocky, red volcanic soils and aged for 25 months in French oak, this small production red (95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot) offers up violets and iron on the nose. Chalky, dry cocoa-cherry wood tannins produce a thrilling mouthfeel. Muted dried blue flowers and Italian herbs are saturated by black cherry.
Today we are pleased to share a group of wines we received as tasting samples that are made by Hawk and Horse Vineyards in the Red Hills AVA of Lake County. The Hawk and Horse vineyards are certified organic by CCOF and Demeter-certified Biodynamic, which make them the perfect wines to share on Earth Day.
This full-bodied wine brings together flavors of black cherry and black olive, with substantial spiciness from oak and moderate tannins for a lip-smacking texture. Hints of vanilla, cedar and clove accompany the black fruit notes, adding complexity and interest.
Deep purple color. The nose sports mulled cherries and deep currant fruit, with a spicy mix of anise, black pepper, tar, leather and espresso. Full but fresh, this shows solid grip but smooth edges to the tannins and moderate acidity. The fig paste and cranberry relish fruit is delicious, and it’s backed up with tar, anise, cocoa, sweet bell pepper, chewing tobacco and some black olive. Really fun and lively but also pretty, complex and age-worthy. All Cab Franc aged in 100% French oak.
Viscous, fruity, hedonistic and just immensely enjoyable, this red late harvest wine is exactly what you want in a sweet dessert, namely, pleasure. A Platinum Award winner at the 2020 Critics Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition.
Lyle Jensen tastes the Library Reserve Trio with Mitch and profiles the winery: