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Andy Erickson does not need an introduction, the man worked with John Kongsgaard, Paul Hobbs, Bob Levy at Harlan Estate, Staglin, etc. He currently makes Arietta, Ovid, Dalla Valle and of course his own labels Leviathan and Favia. The Dancing Hares wines have been on fire as of late and this latest release is yet another gem in the rough. |
Dancing Hares 2009 Mad Hatter
The 2009 vintage was a long, mild growing season which delivered fruit with bright acidity, relatively low potential alcohol, dark color, and expressive aromatics. As the year was relatively cool for Napa Valley standards, Merlot performed particularly well. For the 2009 Mad Hatter, Andy blended (27% Cabernet, 59% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot to create a wine that is soft, rich and generous. Cabernet Sauvignon adds a regal, classic quality to the wine, while smaller percentages of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot provide a depth and aromatic complexity that makes the wine even more compelling. After a short decanting, the wine comes alive, with deep, ripe notes of blackberry, black tea, and forest floor. On the palate, a solid tannic framework supports the rich fruit flavors, accompanied by subtle notes of gravel and minerals. This wine will easily age for a decade or more, but should probably be consumed now, in its youth, to enjoy all of the bright, fresh fruit character it shows now.
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