Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2010 Madrona Ranch, which David Abreu told me he crop-thinned by at least 50%, is a more backward, tannic, brooding wine at present. An inky/purple color and lots of baking spice, espresso, black and blue fruits, and hints of graphite and toast emerge from this wine as well as formidable tannins in the finish. However, the tannins are sweet and well-integrated in this big, blockbuster effort. It will require patience by purchasers as it needs to be forgotten for 4-5 years; it will drink well over the following three decades.
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.