2010 Dancing Hares Red
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Even better, the 2010 Dancing Hares is deeper and fuller with more structure as well as a lot of the sensuality exhibited by the 2009. Composed of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot, it boasts a dense purple color and notes of wet rocks, blueberries, black raspberries, mulberries, espresso and subtle background oak. The delicious aromatics are followed by a deep, supple, round, opulent wine with some tannin underlying the extravagant fruit. A beauty of purity and symmetry, it is capable of lasting two decades or more. This small five-acre property is owned by Paula Brooks and Bob Cook, who have spared no expense on either the wines or their consultants, bringing in Andy Erickson and Michel Rolland. Obviously the production is small. I did not taste the Mad Hatter cuvee, which I assume is a second wine. Tel. (707) 967-8296
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Dark red berries, tobacco, flowers, mint and licorice all jump from the glass in the 2010 Dancing Hares Red Wine. There is a sense of energy and pure cut to the 2010 that is highly appealing. Brighter and more focused than the 2009, the 2010 captures the essence of this great Napa Valley vintage. Sweet floral and spiced notes ring out on the vibrant, beguiling finish. The 2010 is 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot.
(from a vineyard at the foot of Howell Mountain; 46% cabernet sauignon, 35% merlot, 16% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot; 475 cases produced): Bright ruby-red. Aromas of roasted plum, mocha and espresso. Dense, lush and seamless on the palate, with red berry fruit along with strong mocha and espresso notes. Not yet especially complex but sweet and long, finishing with rather soft tannins. The merlot and cabernet franc are planted in loamy soil at the bottom of the vineyard, while the cabernet and petit verdot are at the rockier top. According to winemaker Andy Erickson, the merlot is picked early here, and the cabernet sauvignon up to six to eight weeks later.
The 2010 Proprietary Red shows the characteristics of the cold growing season. Relatively weightless for the year, the 2010 emphasizes finesse, energy and focus above all else. Today, the 2010 is a bit compact, but my impression is it will fill out over time. Violets, tar and licorice add complexity on the deep, saline-infused finish.