2010 Dana Estates Lotus Vineyard Cabernet Magnum - 1500ml

“The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Lotus Vineyard takes over all the senses, starting with the most extraordinary of aromatics. White truffle, mint, bitter chocolate and cloves melt into a rich, layered core of blue and black fruit. Hints of tar, smoke, mocha and grilled herbs develop later, adding further complexity and nuance. Layers of fruit continue to build to a head-spinning crescendo of aromas and flavors. I can’t say enough about the job the entire team at Dana Estates has done with this utterly magnificent Cabernet Sauvignon. The Lotus was fermented in a combination of 45% oak uprights, 45% cement and 10% barrique. It spent 26 months in 100% new French oak barrels. One can't say enough about what proprietor Hi Sang Lee and his son, both from Seoul, Korea, have accomplished at what used to be called the Livingston-Moffett Estate in Rutherford. They have dramatically transformed that estate into their Helms Vineyard, to which they have added the Lotus Vineyard from the St. Helena hillsides and the Hershey Vineyard on Howell Mountain. The consulting winemaker is Philippe Melka, and as the following notes attest, their 2007s are off the charts. Moreover, the 2008s look strong, although there is no Howell Mountain Cabernet since that vineyard was completely wiped out because of spring frosts.”