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99 RP. "Teasing the taster with a possible three-digit perfection is the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill. This beauty shows lots of creme de cassis, blueberry liqueur, spring flower and forest floor notes in an opulent, full-bodied, powerful, dense, rich style buttressed by significant ripe tannins and decent acidity. Again, the striking purity and singular character of this Bryant Cabernet Sauvignon oozes potential as well as pedigree. This spectacular, young Cabernet should turn out to be one of the all-time great Bryant Cabernet Sauvignons, rivaling their 1997, but slightly more structured . . . . Since its debut vintage in 1992, the Bryant Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon has always been 100% Cabernet Sauvignon made from a 13-acre vineyard atop Pritchard Hill, overlooking Lake Hennessey. It is a magnificent site that has served as a catalyst for other producers to plant vineyards in this gorgeous, distinctive micro-climate and terroir. The Bettina cuvee, named after Don Bryant’s wife, is a proprietary blend from viticulturist David Abreu’s three estate vineyards, Madrona Ranch, Thorevilos and his estate on Howell Mountain called Lucia. Often dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, it usually includes a considerable amount of Cabernet Franc and smaller quantities of Merlot and Petit Verdot. A third cuvee called DB4 is the least expensive offering produced from the same vineyards as the Bettina. Although I have not tasted any recent vintages, it is made in a more forward, drinkable style. As for the 100% Cabernet Sauvignon flagship wine from Pritchard Hill, after a period where Bryant Family changed winemakers and there were numerous distractions (2001 and 2002), these wines have come back to represent some of the most singular and prodigious Cabernet Sauvignons of Napa Valley." Robert M. Parker, Jr., Wine Advocate #209, Oct 2013 |