2010 Morlet, Passionnement Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, Bottle (750ml)

RP97 The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Passionnement covers every inch of the palate with sweet dark cherries, plums, menthol, licorice and sweet spices. A round, sumptuous wine, the 2010 impresses for its phenomenal balance and class. The integration of fruit, acidity and structure is flat-out great. Although the 2010 starts shutting down in the glass quickly, the wine’s potential is immediately evident. To tell the truth, the Passionnement is rarely my favorite Morlet wine, but the 2010 is drop-dead gorgeous. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2030. Luc and Jodie Morlet’s 2010s are off the charts. The 2010s have huge structure, but the fruit is so ripe and voluptuous in these wines that the perception of tannin is often imperceptible. The 2009s, on the other hand, are made from grapes that weren’t as physiologically ripe, so the tannins remain firm and in need of time in bottle to soften. As good as the Morlet range is, the most exciting wine appears to be the Morlet Estate, from a vineyard in St. Helena the Morlets purchased a few years ago.