Scarecrow
Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon
Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, USA
I’ve been fortunate to have tried a few vintages of Scarecrow, but have never had the opportunity to sit down and simply enjoy a bottle from start to finish. I acquired this 2012 with that exact intention (and also to share with my father-in-law, who is the reason I have a passion for wine).
A hallmark for Scarecrow (in my opinion) is a weightless gravitas. How Celia can craft a Cabernet that is consistently so elegant and supremely balanced is beyond me. 2012, being an excellent Napa vintage, and entering its 10yr age had me thinking this would be pop and pour…wrong! Lots of youthful exuberance here. More red/black than purple in the glass. Slightly high toned dark-berry fruits, currant, floral notes (violets) and graphite. The entry and mid-palate again have this gorgeous weight…added notes of dark cocoa and espresso, but mostly a balanced core of dark fruits. The finish sports quite a grip (even after two hours), but it sure was fun to still taste the wine almost 30 seconds later! Decant 2hrs if opening now, or hold for another 5-7yrs to enjoy this type of profile.
I’ve been fortunate to have tried a few vintages of Scarecrow, but have never had the opportunity to sit down and simply enjoy a bottle from start to finish. I acquired this 2012 with that exact intention (and also to share with my father-in-law, who is the reason I have a passion for wine).
A hallmark for Scarecrow (in my opinion) is a weightless gravitas. How Celia can craft a Cabernet that is consistently so elegant and supremely balanced is beyond me. 2012, being an excellent Napa vintage, and entering its 10yr age had me thinking this would be pop and pour…wrong! Lots of youthful exuberance here. More red/black than purple in the glass. Slightly high toned dark-berry fruits, currant, floral notes (violets) and graphite. The entry and mid-palate again have this gorgeous weight…added notes of dark cocoa and espresso, but mostly a balanced core of dark fruits. The finish sports quite a grip (even after two hours), but it sure was fun to still taste the wine almost 30 seconds later! Decant 2hrs if opening now, or hold for another 5-7yrs to enjoy this type of profile.
A beautiful gift from Mimi, Brett & Coco during our Pop Up Wedding. Yes we shared it with everyone... there's no place like home... for a wedding!
A beautiful gift from Mimi, Brett & Coco during our Pop Up Wedding. Yes we shared it with everyone... there's no place like home... for a wedding!
Aug 11th, 2017Very impressive in its style, but needs some time to assimilate the new oak. If you own both their wines I'd drink the M. Etain now & hold this.
Very impressive in its style, but needs some time to assimilate the new oak. If you own both their wines I'd drink the M. Etain now & hold this.
3 people found it helpfulNov 5th, 2014
Tahoe restaurant. Suprisingly approachable early. Dusty tannins and superbly balanced. Can't wait to try our allocation in a few years time.
Tahoe restaurant. Suprisingly approachable early. Dusty tannins and superbly balanced. Can't wait to try our allocation in a few years time.
1 person found it helpfulOct 17th, 2015
Wow. This is just a beautiful wine. First time having this and I get the hype now. It's not over the top, everything is in balance and it is just stunning. Aromas of licorice, cassis and blackberries hit the nose and make you want to just keep sniffing. The entry is long, layered and full flavored with blackberries, cherries, chocolate and vanilla. The tannins are soft (decanted for nearly three hours) and there is a nice acidity present on the finish. This went well on its own and with food (rib roast). An incredible wine. Can't wait to try the '13!
Wow. This is just a beautiful wine. First time having this and I get the hype now. It's not over the top, everything is in balance and it is just stunning. Aromas of licorice, cassis and blackberries hit the nose and make you want to just keep sniffing. The entry is long, layered and full flavored with blackberries, cherries, chocolate and vanilla. The tannins are soft (decanted for nearly three hours) and there is a nice acidity present on the finish. This went well on its own and with food (rib roast). An incredible wine. Can't wait to try the '13!
Dec 29th, 2016Yummy! Absolutely delicious California Cabernet.
Yummy! Absolutely delicious California Cabernet.
Oct 28th, 2016
Cherry candy apple and cherry tobacco with a floral hint. Bold fruit and wet gravel on the palate - another amazing wine!!
Cherry candy apple and cherry tobacco with a floral hint. Bold fruit and wet gravel on the palate - another amazing wine!!
Oct 14th, 2016
Another 1/2 price Monday at bourbon steak! First taste of the scarecrow made from the cab vines in Napa from the late 40s.
Another 1/2 price Monday at bourbon steak! First taste of the scarecrow made from the cab vines in Napa from the late 40s.
Mar 29th, 2016Delicious! Rich fruit. Well integrated tannins. Lots of life ahead.
Delicious! Rich fruit. Well integrated tannins. Lots of life ahead.
Mar 17th, 2016