ARTHUR 10 CS THREE ACRE
The David Arthur Estate is located high on Pritchard Hill, on the eastern side of the Napa Valley. The rough mountain terrain and rocky red soils provide ideal growing conditions for wine grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon. In 1978, Donald Long and his 28 year old son David began the epic job of building roads, clearing land and finally planting wine grapes. Although David lacked a formal viticultural education, he learned hands-on by working in the vineyards and cellars of local wineries such as the Chappellet and Joseph Phelps. The first vintage of Chardonnay was harvested in 1985, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon in the nineties. A s his experience and knowledge of the land grew, David learned the ability of these hills to grow the very finest wine grapes. Today, with the help of a highly insightful team, David Arthur continues to cultivate rich concentrated wine grapes that in turn help them craft distinctive and memorable wines.Predominately Cabernet Sauvignon, and with a little Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, this wine has adark ruby color showcases freshly crushed blackberries and raspberries followed by brown sugar, candy licorice and dark chocolate. Spicy toasted oak tones are layered in with notes of espresso bean and toffee. The entry is rich and focused with bold mid palate tannins, dark cherry-cassis and minerality. The finish is long and chewy with chocolate tannins.
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 93 POINTS - "I was deeply impressed with the wines I tasted at David Arthur this year. Winemaker Nile Zacherle has done a brilliant job with these new and upcoming releases. The David Arthur style is all about richness without excess heaviness. In addition to the wines below, I also tasted a Nebbiolo from the 2011 harvest that is easily one of the most interesting California Nebbiolos I have ever come across.
"The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Three Acre is racy, gorgeous and beautifully balanced. Dark raspberries, menthol and licorice are supported by firm yet well-integrated tannins. In this vintage, the Three Acre needs a few years for the tannins to soften. The energy, vibrancy and sheer appeal will prove to be totally irresistible once the wine comes together a bit more in bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2030."
WINE SPECTATOR 92 POINTS - "Notably firm and oaky, with a strong cedary presence, this is a powerful, vibrant expression of dark berry, spice, fresh earth, pepper and raspberry. Ends with gutsy, chewy tannins. Patience required. Best from 2014 through 2024."
