Notes from Pascal on vintage years
2010
Fresh and vibrant on the nose with blue and black fruit notes accompanied by a hint of white pepper and fresh coffee grounds. The wine enters with a burst of black currant and blueberry and a layered mid-palate with opulent, velvety tannins on the long, drawn out finish. This wine will age gracefully for well over 15 years.
"a burst of black currant and blueberry and a layered mid-palate..."
Winemakers's notes from barrel tasting September 2011 by Keith Emerson. Winemaker: Keith Emerson
2009
A juicier, creamier version of the 2008. Black currant, mocha and dried lavender on the nose leads to robust black fruit characters, rich, concentrated flavors of blackberry and cassis along with cocoa shavings and hints of anise and lavender. This wine will age gracefully for well over 15 years.
"mocha and dried lavender on the nose leads to robust black fruit characters..."
Winemaker's notes pre-release by Keith Emerson Winemaker: Keith Emerson
2008
A perfect example of power and grace when it comes to Napa Valley Cabernet. Dark blackberry, cassis and violet aromas lead to a dark, fruit filled entry complimented by a crushed stone minerality and hints of tar and tobacco on the lingering palate. The cool 2008 vintage provided an ideal acid and tannin balance suggesting excellent ageability for well over 15 years.
"A perfect example of power and grace..."
Reviewed by Keith Emerson Originally reviewed by Karen Williams of ACME Fine Wines Winemaker: Keith Emerson
2007
The layers of rich, dark cherries and blackberries, a touch of cocoa, a slight hint of eucalyptus and mild spice attributes marry beautifully with the velvety mouth-feel and well-integrated, firm tannins. We often search for wines of this stature from our backyard, but aren’t always successful in finding them so close to our front door.
"velvety mouth-feel and well-integrated, firm tannins...."
Karen Williams of ACME Fine Wines Winemaker: Keith Emerson
2006
Almost aubergine in color the bouquet of this wine is a myriad of cherry, menthol, eucalyptus and vanillina. Chewy tannins and a good structure continue from start to finish in the 3rd vintage from Leaf + Twig. After a bit of "air time" the cherry and eucalyptus become even more pronounced and marry effortlessly with a hint of spice.
"a myriad of cherry, menthol, eucalyptus and vanillina...."
Elizabeth Grubel of Vinfolio. Drink 2010-2025 Winemaker: Keith Emerson
2005
The color is a profound dark red/black garnet. On the nose is an explosion of dark cherry, freshly cracked pepper, vanilla, and just a hint of oak. This wine, while showing pretty young, is very well-balanced with great tannins, wonderful acidity, and abundant fruit. Certainly a wine that would profit from at least a few years in the cellar, however, those with the patience will undoubtedly be rewarded.
"an explosion of dark cherry, freshly cracked pepper, vanilla, and just a hint of oak...."
Elizabeth Grubel of Vinfolio. Drink 2010-2025 Winemaker: Keith Emerson
2004
In the glass this wine's opaque, dark ruby red luster is a prelude of great things to come. Aromas of blackberry, brambles, exotic spices, and just a hint of oak create a beautiful combination that accentuates the elegance. Gobs of dark berry fruit, luxurious tannins, a velvety mouth feel, a continued elegance, and lingering cherry and Chinese five spice round out this perfect food wine.
"a prelude of great things to come...."
Elizabeth Grubel of Vinfolio. Drink 2010-2025 Winemaker: Philippe Melka
