2010 Scarecrow, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford 1x750ml

Robert Parker 98

Tasting the three most recent vintages of the Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon was not only a privilege, but also an intellectual and hedonistic turn-on. The 2010 Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) is a magnificent wine. Full-bodied and opulent with terrific purity, an intriguing, gravelly, wet stone-like minerality, and a sensational perfume, it has a spectacular finish that lasted over 45 seconds, offering up copious quantities of black currants, black cherries, cedar and vanillin. It is one of the superstars of the vintage. It is accessible now because of the sweetness of the tannins, but make no mistake, there is plenty of structure underlying the luxurious fruit levels. It should drink well for 30+ years. These have been enviable wines since I first started tasting them thanks primarily to Celia Welch, the consulting winemaker at this historic estate in Rutherford. They have added a quasi-second wine called M. Etain, which is brilliantly packaged. Of course, it is what’s in the bottle that really counts. Tel. (707) 963-3361 [Robert M. Parker, Jr., 31/10/2013]

Anticipated maturity: 2013-2043

Vinous 94+

(14.9% alcohol; from vines picked in October "before and after the rain," according to winemaker Celia Welch): Bright ruby. Deep, brooding, fully ripe aromas of cassis, cocoa powder, licorice, peppery herbs and Rutherford dust. Silky, suave and deep; builds inexorably to saturate the entire palate with dark berry, dark chocolate and mocha flavors. Finishes very long and seriously structured, with noble chocolatey tannins calling for patience. This potentially long-lived wine may well merit an even higher score with a decade or so in the bottle. [Stephen Tanzer, 05/01/2013]