2003 ALEXANDER VALLEY
SCION
Estate Bordeaux Blend
Scion
wines have consistent characteristics: the use of fruit
grown on select sections of our estate vineyards where
the vines are rooted in well-drained, non-vigorous,
volcanic soils; the use of 100% French oak barrels
(approximately 40% of which are new each year); and the
“hands-on” skills of only one man, Kevin Warren, the
Robert Young Estate Winery winemaker. Consequently,
Scion wines have repeatedly received enthusiastic
reviews from wine critics, the wine trade, and our
customers alike. The 2003 Scion is once again
predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon and is labeled as such.
The wine is a hybrid between California and Bordeaux
styles, structured and balanced with plenty of fruit.
The 2003 growing season started slowly. April rains
delayed bud break and a mild summer suggested a later
harvest. But, Fall brought a September heat wave that
ripened the fruit rapidly and made up for the slower
summer months. Cutting edge viticultural techniques used
at the Robert Young vineyards - such as aggressive
thinning of fruit on the vine to allow the remaining
fruit to fully ripen and concentrate flavors – worked
well in this erratic weather resulting in intense fruit
flavors in the harvested grapes.
Kevin Warren added Petit Verdot to the 2003 Scion blend,
slightly changing the usual complement of Cabernet
Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. This addition is
immediately noticeable in the form of light spice and
violet perfume aromas and a mouthful of fruit with
smoky, spicy overtones. The palate is complex and
layered with dark cherry and plum, thyme and basil, and
Eastern spice flavors slowly unfolding in the wine.
Cabernet Sauvignon fruit, for which Robert Young is so
well known, is beautifully showcased in this Scion
vintage.
WINEMAKER TASTING NOTES
“This is a bolder, more complex Scion than past
vintages. High notes of spice and plum are rounded out
by earthy, dark cherry flavors. The structured finish is
smooth and bright with light tannins. This is a
memorable wine that will be drinkable for the next 8
years.”
REVIEWS & AWARDS FOR ALEXANDER VALLEY SCION
2003 Alexander Valley Scion
Gary Vaynerchuk, Director of Operations, Wine Library
TV.
93 points Wine Library TV--- August 22, 2007
Clear-cut attack of oak, blackberry, and black
cassis on the nose: enormous amounts of vanilla and
creme brulée. Big nose, big complexity, beautiful,
glorious cranberry, strawberry, black currant, extremely
rich clean flavor profile...
Impress your boss time: this is a wine that I highly
recommend you seek out and pop open with him right
before you ask for a raise. A complete killer. A serious
wine... 5-10 years of cellaring easily.
http://tv.winelibrary.com/2007/08/22/oak-monster-time-episode-298
2002 Alexander Valley Scion
95 points, Editors’ Choice, Wine Enthusiast, September
2006
The Youngs produce a stunning Cabernet from their
vineyard on the eastern benchlands of the valley. This
Cab is the polar opposite of Napa, and defines the
alternative possibilities. Soft, intricate and
herbal-earthy, it has beautiful black cherry, cocoa,
tobacco and new oak flavors, and it’s thoroughly dry.
Drink now through 2015.
2001 Alexander Valley Scion
91 points Wine Spectator April 2005
This exhibits a rich, concentrated core of Cabernet
fruit, built around dense sour cherry, blackberry and
wild berry. Tightly wound and closed, it finishes with a
complex aftertaste, with a dash of mocha, and a firm
band of tannins that give it excellent structure.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Best from
2006 through 2012.—J.L.
2000 Alexander Valley Scion
89 points Wine&Spirits October, 2004
The fruit itself is bold and succulent, while an
Alexander Valley leafiness emphasizes mint and menthol
in the aromatics. Tame the green edges with roasted leg
of lamb.
1999 Alexander Valley Scion
Wine Enthusiast Magazine; Top 100 Wines 2003
96 points, Editors' Choice: Robert Young 1999 Scion
(Alexander Valley)
"So good, it makes you want to shout. Possesses the
beautifully ripe flavors that are expected of a great
vintage, such as blackcurrant, cherry, white chocolate
and cassis, with extra edges of smoky caramel and
vanilla. The tannins are perfect, soft and easy, but as
rich and complex as a Renoir. Differentiates itself from
Napa with its softness and accessibility, but as great
as anything from across the Mayacamas."
J. L. Wine Spectator - September 2003
88 Points, Smooth, rich and complex, with a medley of
herb, currant, anise and mocha flavors. Plush-textured
with ripe, round tannins, it's drinking well already but
should hold for several years. Drink now through 2009.
1998 Alexander Valley Scion
Wine Enthusiast; November 15, 2002
94 points, Editors' Choice: Robert Young 1998 Scion
(Alexander Valley) "The much-anticipated second vintage
of this wine struggled with a poor vintage. Ironically,
the inability to superripen the grapes resulted in a
Bordeaux-like wine, rather like a good St.-Emilion,
although it's 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Sweet cassis is
offset with sage and tobacco in this early maturing wine
of great distinction and charm."
Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine, August 2002
Two Stars, 91, Robert Young Scion Alexander Valley 1998
Bold and blustery with layer upon layer of rich oak
overlying its plentiful fruit, this expressive wine
suggests ripe cherries, a bit of currant, cocoa and
cappuccino throughout its considerable length. The wine
is full and fleshy in the mouth with more than a few
rough edges yet to lose, but if its heat and tannins
make it rather rustic in style, they never mask or in
any way disguise the very deep fruit that remains the
driving force of this rich and thoroughly involving
youngster.
WOW Report, May 20, 2002
Robert Whitley - 93 points
1998 Robert Young Scion,
Alexander Valley "A rare exceptional 1998 Red. This 100
percent Cabernet Sauvigion is silky in the mouth,
elegant and shows outstanding persistence of flavor."
San Francisco Chronicle - October 2001
The 1997 Scion, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
and Cabernet Franc, shows bright berry aromas, with oaky
backnotes - concentrated, balanced, smooth flavors that
linger through the finish
1997 Alexander Valley Scion
Wine Spectator; Aug 24, 2001,
James Laube
90 points - Robert Young Scion Alexander
Valley 1997; $50;
"...The debut Scion is a blend of 58 percent Cabernet
Sauvignon, 30 percent Merlot and 12 percent Cabernet
Franc. Consulting winemaker Richard Arrowood made this
immense and deeply concentrated wine, with rich mineral,
currant, coffee, anise and cedar flavors."
San Francisco Chronicle; October 3, 2001,
Gerald Boyd
"The 1997 Scion, a blend of Cabernet
Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, shows bright berry
aromas, with oaky backnotes -- concentrated, balanced,
smooth flavors that linger through the finish."
Robert Young Estate Winery phone: 707 431-4811 fax: 707 431-4812 email:
info@ryew.com |
