The 2010 Tusk is everything a true Napa Valley cult Cabernet should be. With Philippe Melka as the head wine maker and one of three proprietors of the project this is more of an elite club than business venture. For those lucky enough to be members of the house of tusk and have access to the 2010 what unfolds is simply unadulterated Melka wine making at its best. Sourced from 7 vineyards this 150 case 2010 effort starts with a striking nose of crushed blackberries and blue fruit with sweet notes of pipe tobacco. The palate reveals the same fruit with expressive layers of gravel and minerality and precise sweet oak. There are no green herbs here. It ends with a finish that lasts over a minute and envelopes the palate completely and almost restarts the experience from the beginning. This will certainly improve with age and I suspect the score can improve as it continues to come together. If you can't wait and must drink some please decant for no less than 90 minutes.
| Rating | Value | Drink |
|---|---|---|
| 97 | $350 | 2016-2030 |
| Country | Region | Appellation |
|---|---|---|
| United States | California | Napa Valley |
| Editor | Issue | Importer |
|---|---|---|
| J. D'Angelo | February, 2014 |