2010 Wavelength Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
(a 65/35 blend of syrah and cabernet franc): Bright red-ruby. Black raspberry, blackberry, mocha and licorice on the nose, plus a decadent suggestion of underbrush. Dense, lush and rich, with dark berry flavors complicated by game, earth and chocolatey oak and lifted by a floral element. A very successful, harmonious blend in which both varieties come through clearly. Finishes with building oak tannins that call for patience.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2010 Wavelength Proprietary Red is an intriguing blend of 65% Syrah and 35% Cabernet Franc. Its saturated purple color is followed by aromas of flowers, blueberries, blackberries, forest floor and spice. The wine hits the mouth with medium to full body, glorious fruit, sensational purity, wonderful texture and length, and a finish that lasts 40-45 seconds. Usually blending Cabernet Franc and Syrah together would not be a high priority on most winemaker’s agenda, but Maltus marches to the beat of a different drummer and clearly has something special on his hands. This is a brilliant Syrah that should evolve for at least a decade. This is the North American Napa Valley outpost of Jonathan Maltus, who has a splendid reputation for his high quality offerings from St.-Emilion. This is my first look at his Napa bottlings, all of which take famous rock and roll songs as their names. Tel. (262) 246-3023