Mercury Head
2008 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Mercury Head is the slang term for the authentic Liberty Dime which serves as the wine's "front label". As a kid Dave Phinney collected these dimes. Years later, after getting one with some change, he was reminded how striking they are.
2008 Mercury Head marks the eighth vintage of what we consider to be our best Cabernet Sauvignon lots. This vintage was all about low yields and highly concentrated fruit. Small berries and smaller clusters got super ripe while retaining bright acidity and mature tannins. Our aim is to have subtle oak nuances that won't dominate the fruit, only accent the aroma. You could open one tonight or age it for up to 10 years.
Tasting Notes
The aroma is of dark chocolate and toasty caramelized oak. There is also a hint of seasoned cedar and rose petals. A big entry leads into a soft mid-palate with bright acidity and mouth coating weight. Flavors of ripe black currant and semi-sweet cherries exit into a long finish with strong well integrated tannins.
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Morisoli, Lewelling and Taplin Vineyards
15.5% Alc./Vol.
Aging: 18 months in French oak, 30% New
Bottled August 2010
Suggested retail price - $75
Vintages
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004