Just to be clear, I loathe the childlike art class paint on the bottle.
Steely, subtle, the crisp of a pear, lilacs in the bouquet.
Candied ginger, fresh meadow grass, a welcome, sweetness that plays off the silky mouthfeel. Reminds me of the smoothness and balance that is achieved in well made cocktails that use milk washes (what used to be one of my favorite bars in the city, MACE, when it was run by Christian, a worthy and adept Bar Manager in Alphabet City — he’s now at Mister Paradise).
Also, lemongrass.
I quite like this take. — 6 years ago
2010 Erba Cabernet Sauvignon is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon,7.5% Merlot,3.5% Cab Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, crafted by Denis Malbec - bless his soul - also known for Blankiet, owned by Paul Erba, all sourced from their mountain side vineyards ranging from 1100-1500 ft, on the peak next to Atlas Peak. 2010-2012 was Denis Malbec, and 2012-present is now Russell Bevan.
Beautiful wine for the value, and a bit of a sleeper! 2010 is still tight and young, and will attest time - will age like the best of mountain style wines.
Aromas of black plum skins, gravel dust, mashed blueberries and lavender, pencil box, espresso, black pepper, and leather. The pallet is dark, clean, and focused like St. Julien, but more fruit forward, exhibiting notes of casis, delicious red apple skins, dried cherries, bell pepper, clove, nutmeg, olive, smoked herbs, vanilla, and a bit of grippy tannin to the finish. For $90, this stuff is excellent. Can't wait to try the 2012 made by Russell Bevan! Paul Erba told me that he will be producing a single vineyard wine from Paul Erba's property next year as well! Glad to have this in my cellar. — 8 years ago
Peter van den Besselaar
Vintage 2009 | beautiful smell with raspberries, awesome balance — 2 years ago