Monticello Vineyards, Rutherford (Napa Valley, California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

The Rutherford section of Napa Valley is rightly known to be an ideal place for Cabernet Sauvignon.  The line-up of wines from the Rutherford Dust Society — a group of producers who make wines from Rutherford grown fruit — shows the uniqueness of the region.  In this offering from Monticello Vineyards, intriguing herbal notes offset black ripe deep fruit flavors.  Lovely “dusty” tannins provide beautifully appropriate balance.  Not a fruit bomb, the wine has the structure and earth character you’d expect from world-class Cabernet Sauvignon.  Not surprising for a young wine, it blossoms with air as it sits in the glass.  A hint of bitterness in the lengthy finish brings a smile to your face.  The spice of oak is apparent at this stage, but given my experience with Monticello Vineyards’ wines, that component will become well integrated over time.