Issue #192, October, 2010
The 2007, which was the debut vintage from this 14-acre parcel, is beautiful. Elegant, silky notes of red and black currants intermixed with lead pencil shavings, bay leaf, licorice, and earth are presented in a seductive, medium to full-bodied, fleshy, opulent style. Beautiful purity, texture, and length all make for an impressively well-balanced wine that is already showing complexity and savory elements. It should continue to drink well for 15 or more years.

A new project, and an impressive one at that, Casa Piena is owned by former lawyer and football executive for the San Francisco 49ers, Carmen Policy. None other than Thomas Brown is the winemaker at this facility, which is situated at the crossroads of Silverado Trail and the Yountville Crossroad, a pretty classy neighborhood, considering that Cliff Lede and Kapcsandy are also nearby. The wine at Casa Piena is aged 20 months in 80% new French oak casks and is virtually 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.

— Robert Parker