Today we share a great vertical tasting out of Lake County. Xurus began back in 2007 with eminent winemaker Dennis Malbec, former cellar master at Chateau Latour. Xurus is a partnership between two brothers-in-law uniting in a shared passion for making great wine. They craft their Xurus Cabernet Sauvignon from a site set on rolling hills of Northern California’s Lake County.
The wines were very good across the board. I really enjoy the 2012 Xurus (OB, 92) which is beautifully structured and the 2014 Xurus (OB, 93) which is ore dense and heady. Learn more about these outstanding wines at https://xurus.com and here are my reviews of the Xurus vertical tasting from vintages 2010 to 2014.
2010 Xurus Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from Lake County, the 2010 Xurus Cabernet Sauvignon is a fine showing in this slightly cooler vintage. Once on the nose this takes on layers of black currants and cassis notes with black licorice and shades of pipe tobacco. The palate is medium to full-bodied with soft tannins that frame a generous core of black fruits and chocolate. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2024-2030- 92
2011 Xurus Cabernet Sauvignon- This delicious, cool vintage Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from the Sonatina Vineyard. Stored for 18 months in 60% new wood, this delivers a smooth mouthfeel upon entry. Blackberry compote and milk chocolate flavors combine with stony minerals and savory herbs on the palate. Very Bordelaise and showing good weight despite the obvious challenges this vintage, enjoy now and over the next six years. Drink 2024-2030- 91
2012 Xurus Cabernet Sauvignon- The outstanding 2012 Xurus Cabernet Sauvignon was stored for 18 months in 70% new French oak prior to bottling. This is elegant and delicious Cabernet Sauvignon with bay leaf and graphite notes alongside espresso grounds and shades of Black Forest cake on the palate. Delicious now, this will cellar for another decade. Drink 2024-2034- 92
2013 Xurus Cabernet Sauvignon- A beautifully balanced effort, the 2013 Xurus Cabernet Sauvignon speaks to the warmth of the vintage. Soft and elegant on the mouth, this has a generous texture, yet maintains bright underlying acidity. Chocolate cake and Turkish coffee notes combine with boysenberry and black cherry flavors, alongside suggestions of creosote. Medium to full-bodied, enjoy now and over the next ten to twelve years. Drink 2024-2034- 93
2014 Xurus Cabernet Sauvignon- A delightful wine from this giving vintage, the 2014 Xurus Cabernet Sauvignon was stored for 20 months in 65% new French oak barrels prior to bottling. Pencil lead and black florals mark the nose alongside sandalwood and dusty soils. The palate is plush and soft with good elegance and poise throughout the drinking experience. Medium to full-bodied, enjoy this outstanding bottling now and over the next twelve years. Drink 2024-2036- 93