2010 Delectus Cuvée Julia

The opaque purple-colored 2010 Cuvee Julia (packaged in a special heavy bottle), the winery’s flagship offering, is named after the proprietor’s daughter. It reveals abundant notes of lead pencil shavings, vanilla, creme de cassis and blackberries as well as stunning richness, purity and texture. This full-bodied classic is the finest wine I have ever tasted from Delectus. Deep, rich and long, its tannins are sweet enough that it can be drunk now, but it should age easily for two decades. This stunning red is a great example of Knights Valley viticulture. Although it does not say on the bottle, I suspect this is a proprietary blend of Bordeaux varietals. All of these Cabernets came in between 14.8 and 15.4 percent alcohol. The Merlot achieved an astounding 15.9% alcohol. None of these reds is the least bit hot. Tel. (707) 255-1252