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Search Flickinger Wine Inventory
Inventory updated: Sat, Feb 21, 2026 12:48 PM cst
Your search criteria:
Regions: USA Red
Vintages: Between 2009 and 2009
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| 21 Grams |
2009 |
Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon  |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 91+ (11/2012): Full ruby-red. Brooding, dark aromas of black cherry, raspberry, cola, licorice and brown spices. Lush on entry, then vinous and firm in the middle, with a strong acid spine currently keeping the wine's dark fruit flavors under wraps. The dusty, lightly saline, energetic finish features serious oak-driven tannins that will need bottle aging to harmonize. Lay this one down. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Alban Vineyards |
2009 |
Alban Estate Grenache |
$120 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (12/2012): Opaque purple. Heady aromas of candied blackberry, blueberry and licorice, complicated by pungent notes of vanilla, violet and allspice. Lush, intensely flavored and broad, offering deep dark berry and cherry compote flavors and an exotic floral nuance. Finishes smooth and very long, with resonating spiciness, a hint of licorice and sweet tannins. |
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|
2009 |
Seymour’s Vyd. Syrah |
$175 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 94-97 (6/2012): Showing more depth and structure than last year, the 2009 Alban Vineyards Syrah Seymour's Vineyard delivers a meaty, black olive-laced profile, with copious amounts of red and black fruits emerging from the glass. This full-bodied Syrah has fantastic purity, and silky, polished texture, and building structure that will require a handful of years in bottle to fully flesh out. Where the Lorraine and Reva will be approachable on release, I would opt for giving these slightly more cellar time.
WA 96 (8/2013): More angular and edgy, yet still more approachable than normal for this cuvee, the 2009 Syrah Seymour’s Vineyard has serious amounts of mineral-tinged dark fruits, licorice, smoked herbs and chocolate as well a firm, structured, full-bodied profile on the palate. This wine’s big bones, ripe tannin and bright acidity all point to a long life. Give it 3-4 years in the cellar and enjoy though 2024+.
VM 95 (7/2013): The 2009 Syrah Seymour's brings together all the best elements of the Alban house style. Orange peel, iron, smoke and fennel add compelling exoticism as this massive wine opens up in the glass. At once powerful, intense and nuanced, the 2009 is simply superb. Ideally, the 2009 needs at least a few years in bottle for the tannins to soften, but readers are going to have a hard time waiting. This intense, full-throttle Syrah should drink beautifully for another decade, perhaps more. (Drink between 2016-2024). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Alpha Omega |
2009 |
Krupp Brothers Vyd. Syrah |
$75 |
2 |
|
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| Anakota |
2009 |
Helena Dakota Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 95 (1/2020): Deep garnet colored, the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota Vineyard explodes from the glass with wonderfully profound, expressive notions of baked plums, Black Forest cake, chargrill, molten rocks, tapenade and woodsmoke with nuances of dried flowers, bay leaves, truffles and unsmoked cigars. Full-bodied and firm, with fantastic freshness, the palate is laden with black fruit preserves and savory layers, finishing on a lingering savory note.
VM 93 (7/2019): Bright medium ruby. Musky aromas of blue and black fruits, violet, licorice and minerals, complicated by a liqueur-like suggestion and some sexy oak tones. Densely packed and fine-grained, conveying lovely inner-mouth mineral lift as well as a distinct thickness of texture to its flavors of dark fruits, spices and crushed rock. This wonderfully suave yet penetrating Cabernet offers a terrific combination of sweetness, vibrancy and definition. Finishes tactile and very long. Delicious! (14.5% alcohol) (Drink between 2019-2033). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2009 |
Helena Montana Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (10/2013): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Montana Vineyard comes across as one of the most tannic, backward wines I tasted from any of the four vintages I was looking at during my extensive trip to Napa Valley in late August and early September. Very extracted with high tannins (almost excessive), this 2009 is built like an old style Bordeaux with lots of red and black fruits, graphite and noticeable oak. Forget it for a long, long time. |
|
| Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards |
2009 |
Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$79 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 96+ (12/2012): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve is rich, sumptuous and totally gorgeous. Plums, black currants, blackberries, menthol, licorice and sweet herbs jump from the glass as this intense, full-bodied wine shows off its considerable personality. Layers of fruit flow effortlessly as the 2009 continues to open up over time. This is a gorgeous 2009. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029.
VM 92 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve is quite a bit juicier than the 2008. Layers of dark red fruit, flowers, licorice and oak are some of the notes that flow from the glass. The percentage of new oak (60%) is up a little over previous years, but the wine won't be released until next year, and there is more than enough fruit to think the 2009 will shape up beautifully with more time in bottle. |
|
| Araujo Estate |
2009 |
Eisele Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (375 ML) |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 95 (5/2012): (bottled in September of 2011; 99% cabernet with homeopathic doses of cabernet and petit verdot): Dark red-ruby. Musky, deep nose offers crushed blackberry, cassis, graphite and coffee. Wonderfully sweet and rich, displaying an uncanny combination of textural thickness and verve. Strong crushed rock minerality gives this beauty an extremely youthful quality. The very long, palate-staining finish features big but suave tannins and Outstanding harmoniousness. The pH of 3.73 is "not too high" for this consistently superb wine, says winemaker Nigel Kinsman.
WA 94-97 (12/2010): From a cooler year, the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard was completely harvested before the rains arrived. It should be a normal blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. More chocolate aromas appear in the wine’s perfume as well as notes of flowers, cassis and crushed rocks. Medium to full-bodied with striking purity and a seamless, well-formed style, this beauty is, surprisingly, potentially better than the 2007. Moreover, the 2009 should drink well early on and last for 20-25+ years.
JS 93-94 (7/2011): This is just one component of the final blend. It is a vineyard that was planted in 1964. It is block 3, and it was always i the Eisele Vineyards and it went into the 1971 Ridge and 1974 Conn Creek. Joe used to call it gold. This is full bodied and rich with a beautiful sea shell and olive character. Very fine on the palate with chewy tannins. Complex and beautiful, with loads going on. |
|
| Arietta |
2009 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 92+ (5/2012): (Blended with 6% cabernet franc and 2% merlot): Good deep ruby-red. Black cherry, cassis, graphite and pepper on the slightly dusty, loamy nose. Moderately dense, concentrated and supple, with blackcurrant fruit enlivened by violet and bitter chocolate notes from the franc and merlot. Best today on the mounting whiplash of a finish, which features very fine tannins and lingering notes of chocolate, tobacco and spices. The pH of 3.7 is lower than normal for this bottling, notes winemaker Andy Erickson.
WA 92 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is silky, polished and totally refined. Today it comes across as quite young and in need of further bottle age for the aromatics to fully develop. It is a gorgeous, racy wine to drink over the next few years. The 2009 is 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Merlot, predominantly from Coombsville. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2019. |
|
| Arkenstone |
2009 |
Obsidian Proprietary Blend |
$79 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 90+ (10/2013): The dark purple 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Obsidian has the smell of pen ink, licorice, blackberry and wet rocks. Full-bodied, muscular, rich and brooding, this big wine requires patience. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2030. |
|
| Beringer |
2009 |
Lampyridae Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (5/2012): (from a 2001 planting; 85% new oak): Good deep ruby. Slightly medicinal aromas of cherry, licorice, minerals, fresh herbs and bitter chocolate. Very good stuffing and sweetness to the medicinal cassis, blackberry and dark chocolate flavors. Finishes with big, broad, dusty tannins. |
|
| Betz Family Winery |
2009 |
Chapitre 3 Syrah Signed Bottle |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (12/2012): A bottling from selected barrels of Ciel du Cheval, Ranch at the End of the Road, and Boushey vineyards (such as was also rendered in 2005), Betz’s 2009 Syrah Chapitre 3 displays formidable tannins and a tight, almost tense character – flatteringly high glycerol notwithstanding – that easily explains why he didn’t release it until a year later than his other wines of this vintage. If the Cote Patriarche from this year merits my adjective “sinister,” this Chapitre 3 is playing bass notes way below the bar line. Blackberry and cassis mingle with soy, bitter chocolate, and charred roasted red meat. The berry juiciness here is strongly marked by bitterness of pit and invigorating crunch of seeds, contributing to a profound, reverberative finish at once brooding and energetically charged. This is going to be quite something to follow over the next ten or a dozen years. |
|
|
2009 |
Clos de Betz Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) Signed Bottle |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (8/2011): The wines utilizing Bordeaux grapes begin with the 2009 Clos de Betz which is composed of 65% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 6% Petit Verdot aged for 16 months in 65% new French oak barriques. Opaque purple in color, it offers up a brooding bouquet of toasty oak, exotic spices, herbs, violets, black currant, and blackberry. Opulent on the palate, the wine has Outstanding volume, a laser-like focus, layered fruit, and succulent flavors. This sizable effort will benefit from another 4-5 years of cellaring and drink well through 2028.
VM 92 (10/2011): (65% merlot, 29% cabernet sauvignon and 6% petit verdot; aged in 65% new oak and 35% once-used barrels): Good bright red-ruby. Rather withdrawn nose hints at cassis, licorice and aromatic oak. Broad, sweet and tactile on entry, then plump and sweet in the middle, showing a distinct cocoa powder quality from its very ripe merlot component. Not quite as expressive as the syrahs, but then this was bottled more recently (April of 2011, vs. November of 2010). Finishes with very suave, fine-grained tannins. |
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2009 |
La Cote Patriarche Syrah (1.5 L) Signed Bottle |
$119 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (10/2011): (from Red Willow Vineyard vines planted in 1986): Bright red-ruby. Wild, musky aromas of strawberry, flint, roasted meat, bacon fat, iodine and fresh blood. Lush and sweet in the mouth, with a wonderfully fine-grained texture that almost hides the wine's intensity and complexity today. The long, youthfully imploded finish features sweet tannins and a piquant note of white pepper. |
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2009 |
La Cote Rousse Syrah |
$50 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (10/2011): (Aged in 50% new and 50% once-used barrels): Good bright medium ruby. Tight, pure aromas of black raspberry, strawberry, white pepper and flowers, complicated by a sexy apricot quality. Suave on entry, then spicy and aromatic in the middle, with firm acidity and a repeating note of white pepper contributing to the impression of sharp definition. This dense, supple wine is very long on the aftertaste. |
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2009 |
La Cote Rousse Syrah (1.5 L) Signed Bottle |
$119 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (10/2011): (Aged in 50% new and 50% once-used barrels): Good bright medium ruby. Tight, pure aromas of black raspberry, strawberry, white pepper and flowers, complicated by a sexy apricot quality. Suave on entry, then spicy and aromatic in the middle, with firm acidity and a repeating note of white pepper contributing to the impression of sharp definition. This dense, supple wine is very long on the aftertaste. |
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2009 |
La Serenne Syrah (1.5 L) Signed Bottle |
$119 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (10/2011): (100% Phelps clone, from Boushey Vineyard; the crop load was low in 2009 due to a poor set): Bright ruby-red. Pungent, musky aromas of blueberry, cocoa powder and flowers. Juicy and light on its feet, with lovely definition and grip to its berry and floral flavors. An intriguing wild streak runs through this wine from start to very long, firmly tannic finish. Not at all a thick style of syrah, but has the backbone to develop more nuance with bottle age. |
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2009 |
Pere de Famille Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) Signed Bottle |
$135 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (8/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Pere de Famille is made up of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, and 8% Merlot aged for 16 months in 65% new French oak. Doing a fine impersonation of a classified growth Pauillac, it offers up a nose of sandalwood, Asian spices, incense, herbal notes, violets, black currants, and blackberry. This sets the stage for an already complex, elegant, smooth-textured, structured wine that will evolve for another 5-7 years. This lengthy, impressive effort will offer prime time drinking from 2016 to 2029. |
|
| Bevan Cellars |
2009 |
EE Napa Valley Red Wine |
$129 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 97 (2/2021): The Showket vineyard is now known as “Au Paradis,” since it was purchased by Peter Michael Winery in late 2009. Composed of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Cabernet Franc, the 2009 Red Wine Ee Cuvee Showket Vineyard has a deep garnet-brick color. It comes bounding out of the glass with rambunctious notes of plum preserves, fruitcake, blackberry pie and dried roses with touches of cloves and espresso. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with black fruit preserves and loads of savory and earthy nuances, supported by velvety tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long with a minty kick. 294 cases were made. |
|
| Robert Biale Vineyards |
2009 |
Black Chicken Zinfandel |
$45 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (12/2011): The 2009 Zinfandel Black Chicken shows off gorgeous mid-palate richness in its black cherries, menthol, licorice and sweet spices. There is more than enough vibrancy and depth to allow the wine to drink beautifully for at least a handful of years. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Blankiet |
2009 |
Paradise Hills Vyd. Proprietary Blend Signed Bottle |
$165 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 96 (5/2015): (82% Cabernet Sauvignon): Good deep red-ruby. Captivating aromas of cassis, plum, mocha, smoke and wild herbs. Plush and seamless on the palate, with an element of soil-driven salinity complicating the rich fruit flavors of red and blackcurrant, mulberry and plum. In a warmer style at 14.9% alcohol but with so much mid-palate stuffing that it does not come off as alcoholic. The building tannins are sweet and even, allowing the wine's fruit to linger. A spectacular result for 2009: wonderfully harmonious, ripe and long. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 95 (10/2013): The 2009 Proprietary Red Paradise Hills Vineyard (81.8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16.7% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that achieved 14.9% alcohol) exhibits a beautiful perfume of scorched earth, chocolate, espresso beans, creme de cassis, plums and Asian spices. Full-bodied, deep and just beginning to strut its stuff, with formidable tannins in the finish, it has 20-25 years of upside potential. |
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2009 |
Prince of Hearts Proprietary Blend |
$59 |
2 |
|
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WA 93 (10/2013): Composed of 70.6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24.9% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the impressive 2009 Prince of Hearths Paradise Hills Vineyard reveals a deep ruby/purple color, an evolved personality and lots of black currant, cherry and pen ink characteristics. This dark, medium to full-bodied, supple textured wine should drink well for 12-15 years.
VM 91 (12/2012): The 2009 Prince of Hearts Paradise Hills Vineyard jumps from the glass with an immediacy and juiciness that is impossible not to love. The extroverted, racy fruit is perfectly suited for an entry-level bottling. Raspberry jam, flowers, tobacco and sweet spices wrap around the palate as this flashy wine shows off its pedigree. The French oak is just a bit dominant, but that is a relatively small critique for a wine that delivers so much sheer pleasure at this price point. The 2009 is 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Booker Vineyard |
2009 |
Tempranillo |
$65 |
1 |
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WA 93 (8/2011): The 2009 Tempranillo is impressive. Dark red fruit, flowers and spices come to life in this rich, textured red. The aromas and flavors caress the palate with considerable richness and depth. The finish is long and striking for its purity. The Tempranillo was aged in 80% new barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021.
VM 91 (10/2011): Deep ruby. Candied cherry, flowers, woodsmoke and cured tobacco on the assertively perfumed nose. Deep, broad and velvety, with impressive depth and sweetness to its cherry and cassis flavors. Picks up spiciness and notes of vanilla and bitter chocolate with air and finishes with excellent clarity and lingering spiciness. I like this wine's balance. |
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2009 |
Oublie Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
2 |
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JD 93 (12/2011): Possibly the most restrained of the lineup, the 2009 Booker Vineyard Oublie ("The Forgotten One") is a blend of 34% Grenache, 33% Counoise, and 33% Mourvedre that shows deep, earthy aromas of brambly black and blue fruits, toasted spice, asphalt, and licorice on the nose. Beautifully complex, with an almost Zinfandel like spice and bramble streak, this full-bodied, pure, and decadently textured red has beautiful freshness and focus, and a long, clean finish. There's solid ripeness here, but this grows on you and keeps you coming back for another glass. It will continue to shine for another 5-8 years easily.
VM 92 (11/2011): Vivid ruby. Red and dark berry aromas show impressive clarity, with notes of licorice, lavender and rose contributing complexity. Big and densely packed but light on its feet, offering intense raspberry, boysenberry and spice flavors. Juicy and precise on the finish, which clings with excellent tenacity. This wine's marriage of power and vivacity is impressive. Josh Raynolds.
WA 92 (8/2011): The 2009 Oublie is an unusual blend of equal parts Counoise, Grenache and Mourvedre. It is a gorgeous, sensual wine laced with ripe red fruit, dried herbs, flowers and spices. The layered, refined finish is especially beautiful. To be released in 2012. |
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2009 |
The Alchemist Proprietary Blend |
$75 |
2 |
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WA 94 (8/2011): The 2009 Alchemist comes across as powerful, tightly coiled and quite inward. Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot add considerable structure as layers of blue and black fruit saturate the palate. This is another powerful, long wine endowed with exceptional definition and a dark, brooding personality. In 2009 the blend is 65% Syrah, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 10% Grenache. The wine saw 55% new barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024.
VM 92 (10/2011): (65% syrah, 15% cabernet sauvignon and 10% each of petit verdot and grenache): Deep, glass-staining ruby. A sexy, intensely perfumed bouquet evokes dark berry preserves, cherry-cola, Asian spices and violet. No way I'd have guessed that syrah was the dominant variety in this lively wine, and I mean that in a positive way. Lithe and precise, given its size, with pure black raspberry and floral pastille flavors that stain the palate. A pure and focused blend with seductive finishing florality and superb length. |
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2009 |
Vertigo Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
1 |
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WA 93 (8/2011): The 2009 Vertigo is another impeccable wine graced with exquisite silky red fruit, flowers and spices, all of which meld together seamlessly in this round, harmonious wine. The balance, length and elegance on the palate are first class from start to finish. In 2009 the blend is 48% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 17% Mourvedre, aged in 60% new French oak barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019.
VM 92 (10/2011): (48% grenache, 35% syrah and 17% mourvedre): Deep ruby. Sexy, palate-coating raspberry and blackberry flavors are complicated by Asian spices, smoke and cola. Broad, silky and alluringly sweet, with striking intensity to its deep red and dark fruit and candied rose flavors. Shows Outstanding energy and focus on the long, seamless, resoundingly spicy finish. |
|
| Bryant Family Vineyard |
2009 |
DB4 Cabernet Sauvignon |
$145 |
1 |
|
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| WA 93 (12/2011): The 2009 DB 4 flows across the palate with heady notes of rose petals, sweet red berries and truffles. It is a gorgeous, totally sexy wine that captures the essence of the Bryant house style at a price that is affordable for mere mortals. Finessed, silky tannins grace the exceptional, polished finish. This is a terrific showing from Don Bryant and his team. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. |
|
| Bunnell Family Cellars |
2009 |
Lia Columbia Valley Proprietary Blend |
$20 |
1 |
|
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| WA 88 (6/2014): A blend of 28% Mourvedre, 28% Cinsault, 14% Syrah and the balance Petite Sirah, the 2009 Lia gives up loads of briar and bramble to go with notions of mulberry, cooked red and blackberry fruit, licorice and cedar. This medium to full-bodied, rounded, textured and delicious effort should be consumed over the coming couple of years. |
|
| Cadence |
2009 |
Bel Canto Red Mtn. Cara Mia Vyd. Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$100 |
2 |
|
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| VM 94 (12/2011): (80% cabernet franc, 10% merlot and 10% petit verdot): Bright ruby-red. Highly aromatic nose offers black fruits, licorice, bitter chocolate and Christmas spices. Then almost shockingly velvety on the palate, with an insinuating sweetness to the deep black fruit and violet flavors. Finishes spicy, violety and very long, with broad, building tannins that saturate the entire mouth. These wines are awfully impressive in the context of the vintage and seem set for a slow and graceful evolution in bottle. Stephen Tanzer. |
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|
2009 |
Camerata Cara Mia Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$110 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 92+ (12/2011): (73% cabernet sauvignon and 9% each cabernet franc, merlot and petit verdot): Bright ruby-red. Claret-like aromas of currant, red cherry, flowers, minerals, licorice, cola and menthol. Juicy, spicy and pliant, with a silky texture and a medicinal reserve to the crushed cassis and spicecake flavors. Finishes with serious but sweet tannins and a wave of fruit. I might have guessed Saint-Julien in a blind tasting. Stephen Tanzer. |
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| Carte Blanche (Nicholas Allen) |
2009 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 94 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon caresses the palate with deep layers of dark red fruit, rose petals, smoke and espresso. It is a bit more voluptuous and sexy than the 2008 in its sleek, polished personality. All of the elements flow gracefully to the huge, textured finish. The 2009 is 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot.
VM 91+ (5/2012): Dark ruby-red. Reticent but pure aromas of blackberry and mint. Densely packed and sweet--almost liqueur-like--with just enough Oakville fleshiness to give texture to the dark berry and mineral flavors. Rather painfully shy today, but the strong tannins are quite fine. Finishes with enticing dusty spices and plenty of spine for aging. Stephen Tanzer. |
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| Caymus |
2009 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$95 |
5 |
|
| |
|
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2009 |
Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon |
$235 |
1 |
|
| |
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| Chappellet |
2009 |
Signature Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
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| Cobb |
2009 |
Jack Hill Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$50.15 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (7/2013): The 2009 Pinot Noir Jack Hill Vineyard, from a site south of Occidental, is arguably the most immediate of the 2009 Pinots in this range. Dark red cherries, exotic spices, licorice and cloves all flesh out in a radiant, expressive Pinot that impresses for its accessibility. Even though the Jack Hill is quite open today, there is plenty of underlying structure to support years of positive development in bottle. A creamy, expressive finish rounds things out in style. The Jack Hill was made from fully de-stemmed fruit. (Drink between 2015-2025.) Antonio Galloni. |
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2009 |
Rice-Spivak Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$50.15 |
3 |
|
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| Col Solare |
2009 |
Proprietary Red |
$65 |
6 |
|
| |
WA 93+ (6/2013): The most structured and tannic of the lineup and a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and a splash of Malbec that was harvested during the second week of September, the 2009 Col Solare obviously comes from a warm vintage. Offering up ripe, decadently styled aromas of blackberry, kirsch, licorice and classic Red Mountain crushed stone-like minerality (42% of the blend is from Red Mountain) on the nose, it is a big rich 2009 that has solid mid-palate depth and layers of fruit that only partially cover full-throttle tannin. Needing time to round into shape, it will benefit from another 2-3 years of bottle- age and have a solid 15+ years of overall longevity.
VM 92 (10/2025): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon wafts up with mentholated freshness, mixing balsamic-laced black cherries, clove and minty herbs. It's round and cooling on the palate, with tart red berry fruits and a subtle citrus tinge. This tapers off with a gentle tug of residual tannins and medium length, leaving a slight sour twang to resonate. (Drink between 2025-2030). Eric Guido. |
|
| Continuum |
2009 |
Proprietary Blend |
$169 |
7 |
|
| |
VM 95+ (11/2013): The 2009 Continuum is still in that part of its life where fruit and texture dominate, while the more aromatic qualities are yet to fully emerge. A rich, explosive wine, the 2009 can be enjoyed young for its exuberance, but the best is yet to come. Personally, I would wait a bit on the 2009. The finish is rich, layered and sumptuous.
VM 93+ (5/2012): (as of this vintage, 70% of the fruit is from Tim Mondavi's property on Pritchard Hill, up from just 20% in 2007): Medium ruby-red. Deep, brooding aromas of cassis, licorice, dark chocolate and warm spices. Sweet and round on entry, then rather powerful in the middle, showing lovely floral lift to its medicinal black fruit flavors. Plenty of mouthfilling texture here but shapely too. Finishes with substantial ripe tannins. Comes across as a bit less sweet and pliant now than the 2008, but this is in a rather brooding phase today and needs time. |
|
| Robert Craig |
2009 |
Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon |
$95 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain bursts from the glass with expressive layers of roasted coffee beans, graphite, scorched earth and tar. It is a massive wine, yet shows remarkable balance and harmony from start to finish. Layers of racy black fruit build towards the muscular, virile finish. Simply put, this is a stunning example of Cabernet Sauvignon from Howell Mountain. The 2009 Howell Mountain is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 7% Merlot and 2% Malbec. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029+. |
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2009 |
Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder is a big, broad-shouldered wine loaded with class and personality. Firm tannins provide the backdrop for layers of dark red fruit in this super-expressive, racy Cabernet Sauvignon. Tar, licorice, menthol, iron and smoke nuances develop in the glass, adding a sense of gravitas. This is a striking, totally beautiful wine from Robert Craig. The 2009 Mount Veeder is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Merlot. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. |
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| Culler |
2009 |
Syrah |
$40 |
2 |
|
| |
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2009 |
Syrah Scuffed Label |
$40 |
1 |
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| Dancing Hares |
2009 |
Proprietary Blend |
$89 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 94 (11/2013): The 2009 Dancing Hares Red Wine is deep, plush and inviting. Dark red berries, plums, smoke, tobacco, licorice and menthol all flesh out in the glass. Sensual and beautifully layered throughout, the 2009 is impeccable in its balance. It should be even better in another few years. The 2009 is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon 20% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot. Antonio Galloni.
WA 93 (10/2013): The 2009 Dancing Hares is a blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot that spent 22 months in 90% new French oak. It exhibits a dark ruby/purple color, supple, sensual tannins and notes of incense, red and black currants, licorice, and hints of wet pebbles as well as baking spices. This attractive, medium to full-bodied red suggests a hypothetical blend of a top Bordeaux with the fruit intensity and purity of a high end Napa proprietary red. This beauty can be enjoyed now and over the next 15 years. |
|
| Den Hoed |
2009 |
Andreas Wallula Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$69 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 95 (6/2013): My favorite of these new releases, and possessing a fantastic mix of richness and structure, the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Andreas is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that spent 30 months in 90% new French oak. Featuring knockout richness and depth, this massively fruited, yet elegant effort offers up aromas of black currants, licorice, tobacco leaf, mint and mulled spices to go with an unctuous, chewy texture on the palate. Count me a fan of this big, rich, butremarkably balanced and fresh wine. There’s certainly some tannin present on the palate, but the overall impression here is one of polish and richness. Enjoy it over the coming decade or so. Drink now-2024+.
VM 90 (11/2013): Good full, bright ruby. Very ripe, savory aromas of dark cherry and bitter chocolate. Mellow and deep on the palate, showing an inviting nutty quality to the raspberry, redcurrant and plum fruit flavors. Finishes with broad, ripe tannins and noteworthy persistence. Offers a lovely balance between its body and its acid/tannin structure. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Donum |
2009 |
East Slope Pinot Noir |
$85 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
Russian River Reserve Pinot Noir |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Doubleback |
2009 |
Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon |
$85 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (12/2012): Only around 30% of Bledsoe’s and Figgins’ 2009 Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon – which incorporates 10% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot – is estate-grown, but that percentage is expected to double over the next three years, and eventually Bledsoe envisions an estate wine. Creme de cassis and jellied elderberry dominate the proceedings here, with a lovely but not overdone sense of sweetness, and inflected by hints of dried green herbs, cedar, and a welcome, soy-like saline savor that ensures a mouthwatering finish. While quite evident, the abundant tannins here are fine-grained and in no way disturb the impression of seamlessly pristine fruit. I suspect this will be worth following for at least the better part of a decade. |
|
| Duckhorn |
2009 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Franc |
$35 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Efeste |
2009 |
Big Papa Cabernet Sauvignon Slightly Depressed Cork |
$60 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Ehlers Estate |
2009 |
Merlot |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
Petit Verdot |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
1886 Cabernet Sauvignon |
$79 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Epoch Estate Wines |
2009 |
Authenticity Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
Paderewski Vyd. Block B Syrah |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
Paderewski Vyd. Veracity Proprietary Blend |
$60 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (11/2011): (36% grenache, 32% mourvedre and 32% syrah, aged in 38% new French barrels and the rest in puncheons; 15.7% alcohol): Bright purple. Intensely perfumed aromas of blackberry, blueberry, anise and violet, with a touch of cinnamon in the background. Juicy, palate-staining red and dark berry flavors show excellent clarity and depth, with a suave floral pastille quality on the back half. The red fruit element carries through on the smooth, very long finish. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Etude |
2009 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 91 (7/2019): Saturated medium ruby. Attractive violet lift to the aromas of cassis, black cherry, espresso, menthol, minerals and fruity dark chocolate. Plush and pliant Cabernet, but with a strong spine of acidity and a distinctly herbal element giving definition and lift to the dark fruit and chocolate flavors. A bit porty on the back end but the fresh side of port, not the oxidative aspect. In fact, this juicy wine is still quite youthfully unevolved and is likely to gain in nuance and shape with more cellaring. (Drink between 2021-2033). Stephen Tanzer.
WA 90 (12/2012): Etude's 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley bursts from the glass with juicy dark berries, grilled herbs, menthol, tar, tobacco and licorice. Firm tannins provide the backbone as this powerful, muscular Cabernet opens up in the glass. Raspberry jam, flowers and spices add lift on the finish. Slightly wild notes detract a touch from the wine's overall balance. Otherwise, this is a fine effort. The 2009 needs a few years to settle down, after which it should drink beautifully for another decade. The blend is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029. |
|
|
2009 |
Estate Carneros Pinot Noir |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 89 (5/2012): Slightly musky, brambly aromas of blueberry, cherry, strawberry and spices, complicated by a hint of dark chocolate. Supple and smooth but firmly built, with the dark fruit flavors joined by an intriguing earthy nuance. Finishes with tongue-dusting tannins and good structure. The cool 2009 growing season brought low yields here due to windy conditions during the flowering. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Far Niente |
2009 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$119 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Figgins Estate |
2009 |
Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 96 (12/2012): Bottled in July of last year and comprising a roughly 60-40 Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blend (Petit Verdot didn’t make the cut this year due to the late frost), Figgins’ 2009 Estate Red is stunningly scented with perfumed essence of iris and violet as well as ripe dark berries and high-toned, resinous green herbs and geranium. The effect is like Merlot contributing Chartreuse liqueur! (Is this a sweet spot to plant that grape or what?) The palate combination of seamless high ripeness and satiny polish with levity, billowing inner-mouth florality and sheer energy is utterly uncanny, and the finish is so juicy you’ll need a napkin. If you’ve visited the site, it’s hard not to imagine its airy openness reflected here in liquid form. And this is a libation you’re likely to desire following for at least the next dozen years. (And perhaps its tannins will become more evident in the mid term.)
VM 93 (11/2012): (65% cabernet sauvignon and 35% merlot): Good deep red-ruby. Aromas of dark berries, cocoa powder and licorice. Dense, silky and rich, with a lovely creamy sweetness to the slightly high-toned black raspberry fruit. A compellingly sweet blend with suave, fully ripe tannins and Outstanding black raspberry persistence. |
|
| Force Majeure |
2009 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series I Proprietary Blend |
$60 |
9 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (12/2012): The Force Majeure 2009 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Collaboration Series I is a blend of two-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon with, notes McBride a bit oddly, “healthy doses of P(etit) V(erdot) and Cabernet Franc for our take on ‘Left Bank’.” (That said, there is also a bit of Merlot.) In any case, it’s vinified by Ben Smith of Cadence, for more on whose attraction to Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot consult my notes on recent offerings from that winery. The herbaceous side of these cepages dominates in the nose, though in a pleasantly pungent and reasonably complex way. Mint, arbor vitae, and cassis take on a chocolate coating on the glycerol-rich palate, and this finishes with an admirable counterpoint – somehow avoiding too bifurcated a sense – between bittersweetly herbal and torrefied, confitured character. I wouldn’t have guessed that the barrels were 70% new, and there is what I like to think of as a Washington-typical energetic finishing ping. This ought to be worth following for at least the next half dozen years. |
|
|
2009 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series III Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (12/2012): The Force Majeure 2009 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Collaboration Series III employs four clones of Syrah and was vinified by Mark McNeilly (with his assistant Mike Macmorran) of the Mark Ryan winery, who chose to utilize just one-third new barriques, in which the wine finished its primary fermentation. Vanilla and marzipan lend a surprisingly confectionary cast on a glycerol-rich palate to an amalgam of cherry preserves and creme de cassis, happily underlain by suggestions of roasted red meats that lend saliva inducement and savory counterpoint in a lingering, luscious finish. I was surprised at the extent to which this reflected its oak component given the stated percentage of new wood; but it was on this occasion that I made the following important discovery: in Washington, when vintners speak of “neutral” barrels, they may well – as in this instance – be referring to barrels that have been used only once previously! My intuition suggests that this will be worth following for at least 5-7 years. |
|
|
2009 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series IV Proprietary Blend |
$60 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 88 (12/2012): Force Majeure’s 2009 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Collaboration Series IV is dominated by Merlot (supported by 23% Cabernet Sauvignon plus smaller amounts of other Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) and vinified by Carolyn Lakewold of Donedei Wines, whose background and inspiration – accordingly to McBride and Johnson – is with Northern Italian wine (though I can’t say I would have detected this). At 13.8% alcohol this is intentionally significantly lighter than its Collaboration Series siblings, and the absence of press wine was evidently intended to enhance textural refinement and relative levity. The nose here, though, is exceedingly spirituous as well as torrefied, for an impression that resembles dried cherries macerated in cognac, kirsch, and chocolate syrup, characteristics that combine for an almost liqueur-like though texturally not notably alluring palate impression. Toasted praline, cocoa powder, and caramelized wood resin (from half-new French and American oak) combine with the desiccated manifestation of cherry for a finish that’s slightly drying despite its superficial sense of sweetness. I wouldn’t want to speculate on this wine’s aging potential except to say that – admittedly in lieu of any directly relevant experience – I am somewhat skeptical on that count. Certainly, though, this is striking stuff, and I’ve no doubt there will be those who find its personality more enticing than do I. |
|
|
2009 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series IV Proprietary Blend |
$70 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 88 (12/2012): Force Majeure’s 2009 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Collaboration Series IV is dominated by Merlot (supported by 23% Cabernet Sauvignon plus smaller amounts of other Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) and vinified by Carolyn Lakewold of Donedei Wines, whose background and inspiration – accordingly to McBride and Johnson – is with Northern Italian wine (though I can’t say I would have detected this). At 13.8% alcohol this is intentionally significantly lighter than its Collaboration Series siblings, and the absence of press wine was evidently intended to enhance textural refinement and relative levity. The nose here, though, is exceedingly spirituous as well as torrefied, for an impression that resembles dried cherries macerated in cognac, kirsch, and chocolate syrup, characteristics that combine for an almost liqueur-like though texturally not notably alluring palate impression. Toasted praline, cocoa powder, and caramelized wood resin (from half-new French and American oak) combine with the desiccated manifestation of cherry for a finish that’s slightly drying despite its superficial sense of sweetness. I wouldn’t want to speculate on this wine’s aging potential except to say that – admittedly in lieu of any directly relevant experience – I am somewhat skeptical on that count. Certainly, though, this is striking stuff, and I’ve no doubt there will be those who find its personality more enticing than do I. |
|
|
2009 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series Reserve Syrah |
$60 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (6/2013): The 2009 Collaboration Series Reserve Syrah is similar to the 2005 and 2006 Reserve Syrahs with its up-front, sexy and almost slutty kirsch and blackberry liqueur-styled fruit, graphite, roasted meats, dried flowers and underbrush-like aromas and flavors. Despite the extended time in barrel, it remains supremely pure and fresh, which, let me tell you, is not always the case with wines that have spent over three years in barrel! Full-bodied, supple and hard to resist, with a core of sweet fruit, a layered, rich texture and a big finish, it is ready to go now and I see no reason to delay gratification. A decade or more of longevity is most likely on the conservative side. Drink now 2022. |
|
|
2009 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series Sangiovese |
$40 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series V Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 88 (12/2012): The 2009 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Collaboration Series V represents a self-described attempt by McBride and Johnson – in collaboration with Chris Gorman – to render a “head-turning wine” showcasing this vineyard’s oldest Cabernet vines. It’s all Cabernet Sauvignon, fermented as well as aged in all-new oak, and dominated by scents of flavors of creme de cassis, chocolate, vanilla, caramelized wood resin and banana oil. For as much as its scents are confectionary and torrefied, I expected a more superficially sweet palate impression, but any such tendency is checked by a very prominent mouthful of tannin, and this finishes with a slightly dry spot and considerable gum-numbing and chew. I hope it was just going through a tough patch when I tasted it, and I won’t try to forecast its future evolution on the basis of this one acquaintance, other than to express tentative skepticism. |
|
|
2009 |
Collaboration Series V Proprietary Blend |
$70 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Frank Family |
2009 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$39 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (12/2012): Juicy red berries, crushed flowers, cloves and a hint of French oak all come together nicely in the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon. A gracious, mid-weight wine, the 2009 should drink well pretty much upon release. Sweet floral notes reappear to frame the feminine, expressive finish. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2009 |
Zinfandel |
$25 |
4 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (5/2012): Opaque purple. A complex, heady bouquet evokes candied dark berries, vanilla and mocha, with a spicy topnote. Lush and expansive, offering gently sweet, oak-spiced cassis and blueberry flavors that gain energy in the glass. In a plush, polished style, finishing with smooth tannins and lingering spiciness. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2009 |
Carneros Pinot Noir |
$30 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 88 (12/2011): The 2009 Pinot Noir is an attractive wine laced with a typical Carneros expression of perfumed red fruit, spices and flowers. This fleshy, stylish Pinot will drink nicely for the next few years. (Drink between 2013-2016). Antonio Galloni.
BH 88 (5/2011): Dark ruby. Smoky, oak-spiced cherry and dark berries on the nose, with complicating notes of licorice and dried rose. Sappy and sweet, with slightly warm black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a hint of smoked meat. Shows good depth and power but I'm not sure that I'd have guessed that this was pinot. Finishes broad and smooth, leaving a note of bitter chocolate behind. |
|
|
2009 |
Reserve Petite Sirah |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 89 (12/2011): The 2009 Petite Sirah Reserve virtually oozes from the bottle with massive dark fruit, licorice, new leather and spices. It is a fairly domesticated Petite Sirah, but much of the richness has been achieved with a loss of varietal expression. This ripe, opulent wine should continue to drink well for at least a handful of years. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2009 |
Reserve Pinot Noir |
$40 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 88 (12/2011): The 2009 Pinot Noir Reserve isn't appreciably better or more complex than the straight Pinot bottling, it's just bigger, richer and smokier. Personally I like the regular bottling more. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2009 |
Reserve Zinfandel |
$20 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (5/2012): Inky purple. Expressive, spice-accented aromas of black raspberry, cherry and sassafras, with smoke and cracked pepper nuances adding complexity. Juicy, open-knit and emphatically fruity, offering intense red and dark berry compote flavors sharpened and lifted by juicy acidity. Closes with good power and focus, leaving sappy blackberry and cherry notes behind. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Futo |
2009 |
Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon |
$209 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Gallica |
2009 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$95 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 95+ (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is a big, plush wine. Despite its initial richness, there is plenty of underlying tannin. Sweet floral notes are woven throughout. The 2009 bursts with energy, precision and sheer class. It is a dazzling effort. Far from an easygoing 2009, the wine shows the more structured side of the vintage. It is likely to require at least a few years in bottle. The 2009 is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc, aged in French oak barrels, 81% new. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029.
VM 92+ (5/2012): Good full ruby. Subdued aromas of cassis, violet and licorice, plus a whiff of sweet butter. Then dense, juicy and vibrant in the mouth, with lovely definition and floral lift to the youthfully medicinal flavors of black cherry, tar and dark chocolate. Finishes with a serious spine of dusty tannins and lingering notes of truffle and spices. Lay this one down. |
|
| Gorman |
2009 |
The Bully Cabernet Sauvignon |
$60 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 90 (12/2012): Blended with a manifestly potent 10-15% of Petit Verdot (the stats he handed me differed from those on his web site), Gorman’s Red Mountain 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon The Bully was, like most of his reds, aged for 21 months in 100% new barriques, and you certainly can’t claim that there is too little vinous stuff here to have stood up to that regimen! Stewed and confitured black fruits are mingled with roasted beet, toasted walnut, vanilla, and pencil lead. Massive and tannic even as it is extremely sweetly fruited, this finishes with a lick of mouthwatering salinity and a Washington-typical twang to its amped-up guitar. There being no wine-sensing equivalent of ear plugs, some tasters are forewarned and others – I trust you’ll know who you are – will be more profoundly moved than this one. I really hope I can revisit this in a few years but I’m not able to predict the direction it’s headed. |
|
| Gramercy Cellars |
2009 |
Lagniappe Syrah |
$59 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Grgich Hills |
2009 |
Estate Grown Zinfandel |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
Miljenko’s Old Vine Zinfandel |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Hayfork |
2009 |
Lewelling Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
6 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Lewelling Ranch is a bold, juicy wine bursting with blackberries, blueberries, flowers and mint. It shows gorgeous balance in an overt, forward style best suited for drinking over the near and mid term. Layers of flavor build to the effortless, textured finish. The 2009 is 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Merlot that spent 19 months in French oak barrels, 70% new. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2019. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Hidden Ridge |
2009 |
Impassable Mountain Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$150 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Paul Hobbs |
2009 |
Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$249 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (7/2019): Saturated red-ruby. Licorice, black cherry, red- and blackcurrant, sexy soil tones and violet on the nose; conveys a strong impression of site character. Densely packed, full and youthful, conveying strong inner-mouth lift but still a bit monolithic and in need of patience. The wine's inky dark fruit, spice and graphite flavors are firm but not at all hard or spiky. Made from vines picked on the late side, this big boy may not be as graceful as the 2010 but its firm tannic structure should ensure a long, slow evolution. And this classically dry Cabernet boasts excellent definition and inner-mouth tension. Give this wine some time in a decanter if you plan to open a bottle anytime soon. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2009 |
Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$499 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (7/2019): Saturated red-ruby. Licorice, black cherry, red- and blackcurrant, sexy soil tones and violet on the nose; conveys a strong impression of site character. Densely packed, full and youthful, conveying strong inner-mouth lift but still a bit monolithic and in need of patience. The wine's inky dark fruit, spice and graphite flavors are firm but not at all hard or spiky. Made from vines picked on the late side, this big boy may not be as graceful as the 2010 but its firm tannic structure should ensure a long, slow evolution. And this classically dry Cabernet boasts excellent definition and inner-mouth tension. Give this wine some time in a decanter if you plan to open a bottle anytime soon. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Hobel Wine Works |
2009 |
Engelhard Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Inglenook |
2009 |
Rubicon Rutherford Red Wine |
$109 |
4 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (12/2012): A big, imposing wine, the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicon is going to need some time to shed its tannin and baby fat. There is plenty of weight and gravitas in the glass. Smoke, tar, chocolate, licorice and dark red raspberries are all woven into the virile, authoritative finish. In 2009 the blend is 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc. (Drink between 2017-2029) |
|
| Januik |
2009 |
Reserve Red Wine (1.5 L) |
$125 |
4 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (11/2012): Good bright ruby-red. Subdued but pure nose hints at black cherry. Very silky on entry, then concentrated, serious and suave in the middle, with supple flavors of dark plum and cassis complicated by cocoa powder and sexy chocolatey oak. Finishes with ripe, pliant tannins and lovely lingering sweetness. Attractive already but has the structure to age. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| James Johnson Vineyard |
2009 |
Bisou Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
6 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (12/2011): Ripe, silky tannins frame an expressive core of dark red fruit, flowers, mint and sweet spices in the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Bisou. The 2009 shows the typical flavor profile of this site, but with more volume and depth than has often been the case. All of the aromas and flavors build effortlessly to the rich, creamy finish. (Drink between 2013-2021). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Juslyn |
2009 |
Perry’s Blend Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95 (10/2013): A sexy, upfront, lush, opulently-styled effort, the 2009 Perry’s Blend Estate is a 440-case blend of 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. This crowd-pleaser boasts medium to full body, a dense plum/purple color, and sweet black raspberry and blueberry fruit intermixed with notions of flowers, espresso and white chocolate. Enjoy this stunning red wine over the next 10-15 years.
VM 92 (12/2012): The 2009 Red Blend Perry's Blend impresses for its silky fruit and sensual, totally inviting personality. Freshly cut flowers, spices and raspberries all meld together in this graceful, medium-bodied wine. All the elements are very nicely balanced, while the Spring Mountain tannins are largely tamed. The 2009 is 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. (Drink between 2014-2024). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| K Vintners |
2009 |
The Hidden Syrah |
$59 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| KaDieM |
2009 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Kenefick Ranch |
2009 |
Pickett Road Red Wine |
$59 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| Kosta Browne |
2009 |
Amber Ridge Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92+ (6/2011): Deep ruby. More musky and powerful than the Keefer Ranch bottling, showing dark berry and cherry character and notes of smoked meat and mocha. Broad, chewy and powerful, offering rich cherry compote and black raspberry flavors and a note of bitter chocolate. Quite a bit richer than the excellent 2008, which is lovely right now, by the way. Finishes on a sneaky note of candied rose, with solid punch. Give this some time in bottle. |
|
|
2009 |
Keefer Ranch Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (6/2011): Bright ruby. Complex, seductive bouquet of raspberry preserves, gingerbread, potpourri, cola and a hint of star anise. Silky and expansive, with serious heft to its red fruit flavors but surprising elegance too. Fresh, precise and sappy on the finish, which echoes the red berry and spice notes. |
|
|
2009 |
Koplen Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (6/2011): Bright violet. Perfumed array of red and dark berry and floral qualities, along with notes of allspice and incense. A sexy floral note comes up with air and carries onto the palate, which offers sweet raspberry and cherry-cola flavors and a hint of succulent herbs. Doesn't let up on the finish, which echoes the raspberry note and shows wonderful intensity. |
|
|
2009 |
Rosella’s Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$123 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (6/2011): Vivid ruby. Expressive aromas of raspberry, strawberry, blood orange and sexy oak spices. Concentrated and lush, with spicy red fruit and candied rose flavors framed but not overwhelmed by smoky oak. Shows very good balance and finishes bright and sappy, with supple tannins and lingering floral character. |
|
| Larkmead Vineyards |
2009 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$85 |
12 |
|
| |
WA 94 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon bursts from the glass with a rush of black fruit, smoke, licorice, graphite and tar. All the elements flow together gracefully towards the big, fleshy finish. There is plenty of tannin to support the fruit, suggesting the wine will drink well for a number of years. I especially like the way the wine keeps growing in the glass. This is one of the firmer, more vibrant 2009s readers will come across. Simply put, it is fabulous. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029.
VM 93 (5/2012): (blended with 12% petit verdot and 8% cabernet franc): Ruby-red. Blackberry, licorice, minerals and chocolate on the nose, plus a whiff of shoe polish. Dense, spicy and nicely delineated, with excellent intensity to the dark cherry and mineral flavors. Firmly structured cabernet with granular tannins and a suggestion of medicinal reserve. This will need at least four or five years of bottle aging. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2009 |
Firebelle Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
12 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (12/2011): The 2009 Firebelle is 53% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 5% Malbec and 3% Cabernet Franc. Dark red fruit, flowers, spices and licorice are some of the many notes that emerge from this impeccable, totally classy wine. It can be enjoyed now, but there is more than enough freshness to allow the wine to age gracefully for a number of years. Darker notes of tar and iron add considerable depth and muscle to the finish. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2009 |
LMV Salon Proprietary Blend |
$145 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95+ (12/2012): Larkmead’s 2009 Proprietary Red Wine LMV Salon is distinguished for its centeredness, focus and minerality. Graphite, smoke, plums, red cherries and tobacco are all woven together beautifully here. The 2009 is rich, layered and sensual, but with more than enough structure to support aging. Sweet floral notes and a burst of juicy red berries add complexity on the finish. The 2009 is 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, 16% Malbec and 5% Merlot. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029.
VM 94 (5/2012): (63% cabernet sauvignon, 16% each cabernet franc and malbec, and 5% merlot; aged in 77% new oak): Bright ruby-red. Minerally, gravelly aromas of blackcurrant, graphite, licorice and sexy toasty oak. Sweet, suave and utterly seamless on the palate but at the same time juicy and well-delineated. Very long, building, chocolatey finish shows powerful but well-integrated dusty tannins. Both this wine and the 2009 Solari were made from crop levels in the range of two tons per acre, according to winemaker Andy Smith. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2009 |
Solari Cabernet Sauvignon |
$159 |
6 |
|
| |
VM 93 (8/2019): Dark red with ruby tones. Aromas of black raspberry, kirsch, mocha and graphite are lifted by a strong floral topnote and complicated by some oaky torrefaction. Plush, rich and deep, with its concentrated black fruit flavors currently muted by a medicinal menthol element. Plenty of texture and sweetness here but the wine is in a somewhat monolithic stage today. The building tannins currently cut off the wine's fruit a bit on the slightly aggressive finish. This bottle suffered by being tasted after the pair of 2010s but its underlying rocky minerality suggests that there's much more to come. Incidentally, Larkmead finished harvesting by the end of September in 2009 and thus escaped the impact of the rainstorms in early October. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 94 (1/2020): Deep garnet colored, the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Solari charges out of the gate with bold black fruit preserves, notes of blackberry compote, crème de cassis and dried mulberries plus underlying notes of mossy tree bark, tilled soil, camphor and tobacco leaf plus a hint of spice box. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a rugged frame of chewy tannins and plenty of freshness supporting the muscular black fruits, finishing on a lingering stewed tea note. |
|
|
2009 |
The Lark Proprietary Blend |
$199 |
6 |
|
| |
VM 97 (12/2012): Just as impressive as it was last year, the 2009 Proprietary Red Wine The Lark is all pencil shavings, graphite, incense and smoke. A deep, beguiling wine, the 2009 stands out for its perfumed aromatics, delineated fruit and phenomenal overall balance. Still powerful and implosive, the 2009 will require patience. It has much less of the early appeal and sheer sexiness of the other 2009s here. (Drink between 2019-2039). Antonio Galloni.
WA 95+ (10/2013): The 2009 Proprietary Red The Lark, which was released in early 2013, comes from a single plot of rocky soils as well as the Eisele clone of Cabernet Sauvignon. More tannic, backward and brooding, this classic red needs more time in the bottle. Like many 2009s, it appears to have gone into a dormant state with the tannins dominating at present. However, the wine exhibits impressive purity, power, richness and a full-bodied mouthfeel. Cellar it for 3-4 years and drink it over the following 20-25 years. |
|
| Leonetti Cellars |
2009 |
Walla Walla Valley Merlot |
$79 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 93 (8/2011): The 2009 Merlot displays inviting aromas of balsam wood, earthy minerals, spice box, black currant and blackberry. This sets the stage for a velvety-textured, layered, succulent wine that has impressive volume and length. It will provide prime drinking from 2013 to 2024.
VM 90+ (11/2011): Deep red-ruby. Very ripe, slightly medicinal aromas of kirsch, black raspberry and licorice. Dense, powerful and dark in the mouth, with a slightly tough quality to the mulberry and licorice flavors. Finishes with good length, but the wine's serious tannic spine and a late peppery quality leave the finish a bit rigid today. Will this tightly coiled, very primary wine unwind with several years in bottle? Chris Figgins notes that very hot weather from mid-June to July was harder on the merlot in 2009 than it was on the cabernet sauvignon, and that the merlot struggled to achieve physiological ripeness. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Lewelling Vineyards |
2009 |
St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon |
$60 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon comes across as luscious and beautifully balanced. Bright red fruit, flowers and spices are some of the notes that flow from the glass in this seductive, radiant Cabernet Sauvignon. The supple, silky finish is impossible to resist. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. |
|
|
2009 |
Wight Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Wight Vineyard is a huge wine bursting with dark red fruit, flowers and sweet spices. The 2009 needs quite a bit of bottle age to shed its baby fat, but it is impressive, even at this early stage. Firm yet silky tannins frame the textured, generous finish. This seamless, highly expressive wine should drink well for at least a handful of years. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029. |
|
| Lewis Cellars |
2009 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$100 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Linne Calodo |
2009 |
Outsider |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (8/2011): The 2009 Outsider is a rich, sensual wine bursting with fruit. It reveals marvelous depth and balance. Layers of dark fruit, menthol and mint wrap around the intense finish. I especially like the pliancy and generosity here. Outsider is 78% Zinfandel and 20% Syrah and 2% Mourvèdre. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2009 |
Overthinker |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
Problem Child |
$50 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (8/2011): The 2009 Problem Child shows off gorgeous inner perfume, juicy red cherries, menthol and licorice, all of which come together beautifully in this gorgeous wine. The intensity of the fruit flows gracefully to the striking, inviting finish. There is weightless, transparent quality along with expressive aromatics that makes this a totally beguiling wine. The blend is 76% Zinfandel, 15% Syrah and 9% Mourvedre. The unique qualities of Zinfandel add considerable character to this unique, gorgeous red. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021. |
|
|
2009 |
Sticks and Stones |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (8/2011): The 2009 Sticks and Stones is a gorgeous wine laced with fragrant red cherries, plums, flowers, spices and sweet herbs, all of which come together beautifully. Soft and textured throughout, the 2009 Sticks and Stones shows gorgeous length and an attractive, open-knit personality. Bright red fruit notes reappear on the finish. In 2009 the blend is 64% Grenache, 29% Mourvèdre and 7% Syrah. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Long Shadows Wineries |
2009 |
Chester Kidder Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
5 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (6/2013): A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Syrah, 17% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc that spent 30 months in 100% new French oak, the 2009 Red Wine Chester-Kidder is made by Long Shadow’s manager, Gilles Nicault, and comes from a variety of vineyards in the Columbia Valley. A big, rich wine that does everything right, it has an inky purple color to go with intense creme de cassis, raspberry, toast and spiced meat aromas on the nose. Surprisingly polished and supple on the palate, with juicy acidity, it has layers of fruit, a medium to full-bodied texture and serious length on the finish. Enjoy it over the coming 10-12 years. Drink now-2025. |
|
|
2009 |
Pedestal Merlot |
$60 |
6 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (12/2012): (83% merlot, 12% cabernet sauvignon and 5% malbec): Bright ruby-red. Very ripe aromas of black cherry, melted licorice and minerals. Sweet, ripe and strong, with a distinctly sappy quality to its black cherry and sexy oak flavors. This struck me as more masculine than the 2008 version and every bit as fresh--and in need of longer bottle aging. Finishes classically dry and long, with solid backbone. |
|
|
2009 |
Pedestal Merlot (1.5 L) |
$125 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (12/2012): (83% merlot, 12% cabernet sauvignon and 5% malbec): Bright ruby-red. Very ripe aromas of black cherry, melted licorice and minerals. Sweet, ripe and strong, with a distinctly sappy quality to its black cherry and sexy oak flavors. This struck me as more masculine than the 2008 version and every bit as fresh--and in need of longer bottle aging. Finishes classically dry and long, with solid backbone. |
|
|
2009 |
Pirouette Red Wine |
$59 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 93+ (12/2012): (58% cabernet sauvignon, 27% merlot, 12% cabernet franc and 3% malbec; 15% alcohol): Deep, bright medium ruby. Ripe, inviting aromas of cassis, black raspberry, blackberry and black licorice. Large-scaled, sweet and rich; wonderfully glossy in the mouth, with concentrated dark fruit flavors complemented by a strong element of sweet oak. This big boy finishes with lovely lingering perfume, excellent length and terrific tannic grip. This wine fermented in 400-liter wood barrels with wild yeasts. Today, this joint project of Augustin Huneeus Sr. and Philippe Melka is my early favorite among these 2009s. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2009 |
Pirouette Red Wine (1.5 L) |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93+ (12/2012): (58% cabernet sauvignon, 27% merlot, 12% cabernet franc and 3% malbec; 15% alcohol): Deep, bright medium ruby. Ripe, inviting aromas of cassis, black raspberry, blackberry and black licorice. Large-scaled, sweet and rich; wonderfully glossy in the mouth, with concentrated dark fruit flavors complemented by a strong element of sweet oak. This big boy finishes with lovely lingering perfume, excellent length and terrific tannic grip. This wine fermented in 400-liter wood barrels with wild yeasts. Today, this joint project of Augustin Huneeus Sr. and Philippe Melka is my early favorite among these 2009s. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Maybach |
2009 |
Materium Cabernet Sauvignon |
$175 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 94 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Materium is a gorgeous, polished wine graced with exquisite detail, clarity and focus. Tobacco, cedar and sweet spices add complexity to the fruit in this powerful, expressive 2009. Layers of dark red fruit, mocha and mint wrap around the striking, seamless finish. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2019.
VM 92-95 (6/2011): Full ruby-red. Reticent, subtle nose hints at cassis, tar, licorice pastille and smoke; conveys a darker quality than the 2008. Dense, backward and deep, with black fruit and licorice flavors showing an almost grapey primary character today. Focused, structured and tannic wine, extremely unevolved today. Seems less sweet than the 2008. Hard to taste now but this is likely to be long-lived. Winemaker Thomas Brown told me that the wine has been racked just twice to this point and will be bottled in June. |
|
| Maze |
2009 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Ste. Michelle |
2009 |
Austral Wahluke Slope Red Wine |
$15 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
Cold Creek Vyd. Red Wine |
$15 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
Ethos Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$25 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 90 (12/2012): For thoughts on Chateau Ste Michelle’s uniqueness and recent evolution, consult my extensive April, 2013 text designed to introduce recent tasting notes. Representing the latest in a series of bottlings that offers a barrel selection, nearly always overwhelmingly from Canoe Ridge and/or Cold Creek (though lots from contract growers always remain in the running) the Ste. Michelle 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Ethos displays forward, confitured cherry reinforced by nougat and chocolate, in keeping with Bertheau’s description of this project as “intended to make more of a New World Statement” when compared with the similarly barrel-selected Meritage. (The barrels were all new.) This is flatteringly polished, plush and expansive, the trade-off for the aforementioned virtues – at least in this vintage – being slightly less complexity and less primary juiciness or savor to the nevertheless long finish. Still, this holds lots of appeal – more or less, depending on one’s preferred style – and should perform well for several years. |
|
|
2009 |
Ethos Reserve Syrah |
$25 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (11/2012): Saturated dark ruby. Port-like ripeness to the aromas of black cherry, licorice, clove and violet. Suave on entry, then quite savory in the middle, with lightly saline flavors of black fruits, licorice and chocolate lifted by slightly elevated acidity. This seamless, concentrated syrah finishes with dusty, ripe, chocolatey tannins that call for a year or two of patience. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2009 |
Horse Heaven Hills Malbec |
$15 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Morlet Family Vineyards |
2009 |
Passionnement Cabernet Sauvignon |
$179 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94+ (7/2019): Bright ruby-red. Aromas of cassis, black cherry, violet and licorice, with an emerging note of black pepper; lovely perfume. Plush, fine-grained and sweet, with flavors of black fruits, violet and graphite minerality dominating. Not quite as pliant or harmonious as the Coeur de Vallee but very long and firm on the rising aftertaste, with firm but noble tannins ensuring a continued slow evolution in bottle. This very concentrated, densely packed wine possesses very good energy but still conveys an element of medicinal reserve and needs patience. No, this boasts terrific energy and precision. (15.2% alcohol) Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Mount Eden Vineyards |
2009 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$145 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (11/2013): Deep ruby. Powerful, smoke-accented cherry and blackcurrant aromas are energized by zesty minerals, picking up pipe tobacco, cedar and dried rose nuances with air. Fleshy and broad but focused too, offering intense dark berry flavors and a suggestion of bitter chocolate. A sweet vanilla quality rounds out the impressively persistent finish, which shows superb clarity and solid but well-knit tannins. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Myriad |
2009 |
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$250 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (5/2012): (a blend of four Darnajou and two Taransaud barrels): Bright deep ruby. Aromas of cassis, blackberry, licorice and cocoa powder. Extremely primary and dense, with a salty complexity to the rich flavors of crushed berries, violet and bitter chocolate. Big, rich and tactile wine, finishing with serious but noble tannins and a lingering note of dark chocolate. A bit lower in pH than the Georges III but every bit as sexy today in spite of its youth. |
|
|
2009 |
Beckstoffer Georges III Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$225 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (7/2019): Healthy ruby-red. Red and dark fruits, tobacco leaf, wild herbs, black pepper, mocha and sweet oak on the nose; conveys a distinctly leafy/menthol Cabernet Sauvignon element. Savory and moderately sweet on the palate, offering a refined texture and a blend of sweet red and darker fruit and chocolate flavors. A bit more chocolatey and less herbal in the mouth than on the nose, but with a faint peppery quality and lively framing acidity giving the wine a refreshing juiciness. This youthful midweight conveys accurate varietal character and energy, finishing with firm but rather suave tannins and no rough edges. Like the Dr. Crane, this vineyard is owned by the Beckstoffer family. (14.8% alcohol) (Drink between 2020-2032). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Notre Vin |
2009 |
Howell Mountain Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| O'Shaughnessy |
2009 |
Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon |
$100 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 94+ (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is all minerals, graphite and pure Howell Mountain. Layers of dark red fruit come to life in this articulate, pedigreed Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2009 needs another few years in the bottle, but it is already quite striking, especially with some time in the glass. Saline notes frame the long finish. The 2009 is 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Malbec, 5% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 5% St. Macaire and 2% Cabernet Franc. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029.
VM 92+ (5/2012): (aged in about 75% new oak; includes 7% malbec, 5% merlot, 5% petit verdot, 5% St. Macaire and 2% cabernet franc): Good deep bright ruby. Expressive but cool nose offers cassis, violet and mint. Suave, concentrated and spicy, with licorice, mineral and oak flavors currently holding the upper hand over the wine's fruit flavors. The first tannins show some youthful toughness and will require at least five years of patience. |
|
|
2009 |
Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon |
$119 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 94 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder is impeccable from start to finish. It shows marvelous detail and completeness in its perfumed red berries, mint, flowers and licorice. Tar, ash and a host of other darker nuances add considerable complexity. This is a marvelous showing. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029.
VM 93+ (5/2012): (100% cabernet sauvignon): Good bright ruby-red. Slightly higher-toned on the nose than the Howell Mountain offering, with sexy oak spices lifting aromas of blackberry, black cherry, licorice and bitter chocolate. Offers noteworthy intensity to its dusty spice and blackberry flavors. Fatter and sweeter than the Howell Mountain bottling. Finishes with lovely ripe tannins and building length. The tannins here make those of the Howell Mountain come off as a bit clenched. This is excellent. |
|
| Outpost |
2009 |
Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 93 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is a very typical wine from this appellation. Spices, grilled herbs and new leather add considerable complexity to the dark fruit. I especially admire the finesse and fabulous overall sense of harmony here. This is a highly representative Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.
VM 90-93 (6/2011): Good ruby-red. Subdued but pure aromas of dark berries, violet and licorice; smells serious! Then dense, thick, rich and deep in the mouth, with dark flavors of cassis, blackberry, licorice and menthol. Boasts a large structure, with the rather powerful tongue-dusting tannins arriving early. This youthfully medicinal, classic Howell Mountain cabernet will need at least five years of cellaring upon its release. |
|
|
2009 |
True Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$150 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 95 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon True Vineyard is a much more opulent wine that in many ways is less typical of Howell Mountain. It is an especially seamless Cabernet Sauvignon loaded with dark fruit, flowers and mint, all of which are supported by insistent veins of minerality. All of the flavors build effortlessly to the muscular, inviting finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021.
VM 93-95 (6/2011): Good ruby-red. Complex, musky aromas of plum, redcurrant, smoked meat, mint, chocolate, dried flowers and wild herbs; conveys a strong rocky quality. Then rich, fat, sweet and seamless, with the impression of wildness carrying through on the palate. The big, building tannins reach the incisors, but here they are suaver and finer-grained than those of the basic Outpost cabernet. Finishes very long, with a savory minerality and a lovely light touch. Offers terrific potential. |
|
| Ovid |
2009 |
Proprietary Blend |
$229 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
Experiment P4.9 Proprietary Blend |
$175 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Pahlmeyer |
2009 |
Proprietary Blend |
$150 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (1/2020): The 2009 Pahlmeyer is made up of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec. Deep garnet colored, the nose gives up provocative notes of candied violets, dark chocolate-covered cherries, licorice, dried lavender and dried Provence herbs over a core of warm cassis, prunes and blueberry compote plus a waft of cedar. Full-bodied, the big, rich, juicy palate has a well-played frame of fine-grained, plush tannins and tons of freshness, finishing long and fruity. |
|
| Peirson Meyer |
2009 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Signed Bottle |
$59 |
4 |
|
| |
VM 95+ (12/2012): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is typical of the year in this part of Napa Valley, where the wines are rich, broad and voluminous. Less floral and refined today than the 2008, the 2009 is built on a serious core of deep, expressive fruit. Juicy dark raspberries, flowers, spices and mint are layered into the generous finish. The 2009 could use another year in bottle to shed some baby fat, but it is exceptionally beautiful and polished, even today. There is so much hidden potential here.
WA 88 (10/2013): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits the vintage’s chunky, monolithic, tannic style with notes of dark fruits, white chocolate and earthy undertones. It will be even better with a few more years of bottle age, and should keep for 12-15 years. |
|
| Joseph Phelps |
2009 |
Larry Hyde and Sons Vyd. Carneros Syrah |
$35 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 89 (12/2011): The 2009 Syrah Hyde Vineyard needs quite a bit of air to show its true personality. It is a dark, powerful wine loaded with dark fruit, smoke, licorice and tobacco. Today the tannins are quite firm, so this needs another 6-12 months in bottle. It comes across as tight, compact and unyielding, especially next to the straight Syrah. It shows good focus, but neither a ton of richness nor varietal character. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. |
|
|
2009 |
Napa Valley Syrah |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Pott |
2009 |
Her Majesty’s Secret Service Proprietary Blend |
$119 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (5/2012): Bright medium ruby. Currant, spicecake, tobacco and loam on the complex, musky nose. At once smooth and juicy, rich and saline, with strong soil tones complicated by dark berry fruit. Lovely sophisticated claret-like texture and weight. The broad finish features dusty, fine-grained tannins and excellent subtle length. |
|
|
2009 |
Incubo Cabernet Sauvignon |
$189 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Quilceda Creek |
2009 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$135 |
6 |
|
| |
WA 99 (6/2013): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Merlot) is a ripe, flamboyant and brilliantly proportioned effort that oozes kirsch, licorice, lead pencil shavings and dried spice on the nose. Showing the perfume and headiness of the vintage, it nevertheless stays vibrant and lively on the palate while delivering layers of fruit and texture. While formidably structured and tannic, it can be enjoyed now due to the overall tannin quality and purity of fruit. It will evolve and drink well for over two decades. Drink now-2029.
VM 95 (12/2012): (includes 2% merlot; 90% estate grown fruit from Champoux, the rest from Klipsun and Tapteil): Deep ruby-red. Black fruits, licorice and sandalwood on the nose. Offers uncanny sweetness and depth, not to mention great breadth of texture to the plush flavors of dark berries, chocolate and expensive oak. At once chewy and seamless cabernet, finishing extremely long and smooth, with big but thoroughly suave tannins. |
|
|
2009 |
Galitzine Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 96 (6/2013): Also incredibly concentrated, with burly structure and a mountain of tannin, the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Galitzine Vineyard (99% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Merlot) delivers a seriously intense array of blackberry and kirsch-styled fruit, licorice, charcoal and spice box on both the nose and palate. Aged for 22 months in 100% new French oak and a big, broad shouldered, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, it possesses a rocking mid-palate and fabulous length on the finish. Really showing the power of its Red Mountain terroir, it needs 4-5 years of bottle age to become civilized and will have decades of evolution. Drink 2017-2034.
VM 94+ (11/2012): (includes 1% merlot): Bright medium ruby. Cassis aroma lifted by sandalwood. Densely packed and intense, with terrific energy to its chewy flavors of dark berries, licorice pastille and minerals. Less plush and harmonious today than the estate's flagship cabernet but this superconcentrated wine (made from a yield of just 1.5 tons per acre, according to Paul Golitzin) boasts a serious tannic spine and great energy and length. Should be the best release for this bottling. It's blacker than the cabernet and less seamless today but I would not bet against this chewy bottling in the long run. |
|
|
2009 |
Palengat Proprietary Blend |
$95 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97 (6/2013): Much more Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated, the 2009 Palengat (86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 6% Merlot) shows the warmer vintage with ripe red and black fruit, licorice, roasted meat and hints of singed herbs on the nose. Fantastically polished on the palate, with silky tannin, full-bodied richness and a layered mouthfeel, it is a knockout effort that will have 15-20 years of prime drinking. Drink now-2029.
VM 93 (12/2012): Good full ruby. Aromas of blackcurrant and licorice. Rich, deep and concentrated, with an almost Kahlua-like liqueur quality to its dense, exotic flavors of cassis, dark chocolate, mocha and orange peel. Very rich blend with an impressively long finish featuring fine tannins and hints of licorice pastille, dark berries, sexy Taransaud spices and black walnut. From vines planted at 3 x 6 feet, according to Paul Golitzin, "about as dense as it gets in this state." |
|
| Quivet Cellars |
2009 |
Hulda Block Las Madres Vyd. Syrah |
$36 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Ramey |
2009 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (4/2013): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent choice for readers who want to drink a Ramey wine without waiting the decade or so it takes most of his wines to truly open up. Dark red berries, savory herbs, mint and licorice all jump from the glass. A large-scaled, voluptuous wine, the 2009 is juicy, expressive and wonderfully resonant. Layers of fruit continue to build to the rich, enveloping finish. The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is quite a mouthful! Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029. |
|
| Rasa Vineyards |
2009 |
In Order to Form a More Perfect Union |
$69 |
5 |
|
| |
| JD 96 (6/2012): The first vintage for this wine and a blend of 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and 23% Cabernet Franc that was aged in 60% new French oak, the 2009 Rasa Vineyards In Order to Form a More Perfect Union delivers spectacular aromatics, a seamless, full-bodied texture, and blockbuster length on the finish. Showing notes of crème de cassis, tobacco, charred toast, sweet oak, and spice cabinet on the nose, this stays gorgeously light, elegant, and fresh on the palate, while at the same time showing fantastic intensity, a concentrated mid-palate, and ripe tannin that emerges with more time in the glass. This is impressive any way you slice it, and while it is no doubt a spectacular drink now, it deserves 4-5 years of bottle age, and should keep for upwards of two decades. |
|
|
2009 |
Plus One Kiona Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (6/2012): Showing superb Cabernet character, as well as the minerality and tannin structure of Red Mountain, the 2009 Rasa Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Plus One Kiona Vineyard is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and was aged half in new French oak, and half in neutral barrel. It exhibits classic Cabernet aromas of black currant and creamy blackberry styled fruit that’s intermixed with notions of freshly crushed stone, roasted meats, sweet oak, and spice box on the nose. This flows to a full-bodied, gorgeously proportioned wine that has fantastic concentration, a layered, seamless texture, and building tannin that emerges with time in the glass. There’s plenty of structure here; give bottles 3-4 years in the cellar, and then plan on drinking over the following 15+ years. |
|
|
2009 |
Principia Reserve Syrah |
$79 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (6/2012): The estate’s top Syrah and sourced from a number of top vineyards, the 2009 Rasa Vineyards Syrah Principia Reserve, aged mostly in neutral French oak, is pure and decadently fruited, with brilliant aromas of crème de cassis, smoked blackberry, truffle, sweet oak, and creamy licorice on the nose. These qualities carry over to the palate where the wine is full-bodied and powerful, with a concentrated mid-palate, a rich, full texture, and ripe, polished tannin that frames the finish. Overall, blockbuster stuff that is already complex and approachable. Nevertheless, it should ideally be given 2-3 years of bottle age, and then consumed over the following decade or longer. |
|
| Realm |
2009 |
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$225 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (5/2012): Ruby-red. The most perfumed of these 2009s to this point, offering scents of cassis, violet, bitter chocolate and spicecake. Layered, deep and utterly seamless, with ripe acidity giving shape to the plush flavors of blackberry, cassis, cola and chocolate. Dense and smooth but not at all heavy. The rising, very long finish features noble tannins. A very classy 2009 cabernet. |
|
|
2009 |
Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$225 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
The Bard Proprietary Blend |
$100 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (12/2011): The 2009 The Bard is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with a dash (7%) of Petit Verdot. It possesses striking inner perfume and dazzling richness in its fruit, with layers of flavor that build effortlessly to the textured, vivid finish. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. |
|
|
2009 |
The Falstaff Proprietary Blend |
$109 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 90+ (5/2012): (55% cabernet franc, 30% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot and 5% petit verdot): Full red-ruby. Cassis, licorice, tobacco and tarry oak on the nose and palate, complicated by pepper and herbs. Quite dry and light on its feet, showing more herbal lift and definition but less flamboyance today than the Bard. Finishes with suave tannins and good spicy persistence. Seemed to grow firmer in the glass. I'd hold this for a couple years before pulling the cork. |
|
|
2009 |
The Tempest Proprietary Blend |
$85 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (5/2012): (53% merlot, 42% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot): Good full ruby-red. Aromas of black fruits, minerals, licorice and spicy oak. Dense, bright and concentrated, with a slightly high-toned character to the rather plush flavors of cassis and bitter chocolate. A bit youthfully medicinal today, not particularly sweet but structured to age. A step up in depth and structure from the Bard and the Falstaff bottlings, combining the texture of merlot with the firm spine of cabernet. |
|
| Rhys |
2009 |
Family Farm Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$55 |
10 |
|
| |
WA 94 (8/2011): The 2009 Pinot Noir Family Farm is one of the more delicate, ethereal wines in the lineup. Fermentation with 100% whole clusters gives the Family Farm a distinctly floral bouquet and graceful fruit. It is an impeccably elegant wine from start to finish. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2019.
VM 93 (6/2011): Bright red. Perfumed aromas of raspberry preserves, Asian spices and rose oil, along with a hint of mocha. Sappy, penetrating and fresh, with juicy red berry and cherry flavors, silky texture and a late kick of spices. Open-knit and very easy to drink, finishing with impressive clarity and lingering red fruit notes.
BH 91 (10/2011): (from San Mateo County fruit; 13.4%). Distinct floral and spice notes add nuance to the elegant and airy red berry fruit aromas that lead to rich, supple and forward middle weight flavors that possess fine detail and purity to the delicious and beautifully long finish. Among the Rhys wines, the Family Farm and Skyline Vineyards are those which are built more along the lines of finesse than power. Drink 2015+. Outstanding! |
|
|
2009 |
Skyline Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
BH 94 (10/2011): (from Santa Cruz Mountains fruit that is planted to an incredible density of 7,000 vines per acre or the equivalent of 17,500 vines per ha; 12.6%). A reserved and notably cooler nose of crystalline purity offers up notes of spicy diverse red berry fruit aromas that complement to perfection the exceptionally elegant and refined medium weight flavors that are shaped and supported by very firm but ripe tannins, all wrapped in a dusty and stunningly long finish. This is a wine of harmony, indeed this strikes me as quite Zen-like as the structure is very fine grained. Drink 2016+. Outstanding!
VM 94 (6/2011): Bright ruby. Intensely perfumed, assertive bouquet evokes redcurrant, raspberry and spicecake complemented by smoky minerals and building florality. Pure, precise and deeply concentrated but shockingly lithe, offering sweet red fruit flavors and a steely mineral spine. Unwinds with air to offer deeper cherry and black raspberry qualities while maintaining energy and focus. The finish is racy, subtly sweet and very persistent. Definitely give this a few years of bottle age.
WA 92 (8/2011): The 2009 Pinot Noir Skyline Vineyard comes across as rich, round and sensual, with layers of ripe fruit that caress the palate. It is a pretty, juicy Pinot with good up-front fruit and perhaps a shade less minerality and aromatic complexity than the finest wines in this lineup. The aromas and flavors build towards the powerful finish. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2019+. |
|
| Rivers Marie |
2009 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is a gorgeous, rich wine layered with mint, tobacco, spices, cedar and licorice. It shows gorgeous textural depth and tons of aromatic nuances. This is a fabulous wine loaded with class and personality. It isn’t the biggest wine here, but it is exceptionally polished. Wow! Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. |
|
|
2009 |
Corona Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$90 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Roberto Corona Vineyard, from a site on the Oakville bench, is the richest of these 2009 Cabernets from Rivers-Marie. It bursts from the glass with jammy, opulent fruit and a big, full-bodied personality. Blue and black fruit, mint, licorice and sweet spices wrap around the finish. The 100% new oak comes through here. I am not sure this wine needs all the oak and makeup. There is plenty of pedigree already. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021. |
|
|
2009 |
Panek Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard is graced with exquisite finesse and silkiness in its red fruit and sweet tannin. Layers of seamless fruit caress the palate in this stunning Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2009 Panek is subtle, understated and totally classy. The Panek is clone 6 and 7 Cabernet, aged in 80% new barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. |
|
| Round Pond |
2009 |
Rutherford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$35 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 89 (5/2013): Thomas Brown is the consulting winemaker here): Good deep ruby-red. Cherry, redcurrant, mocha, tobacco, menthol and loam on the nose. Chewy and rich, with a slightly medicinal cast but good fat to the mid-palate fruit. Finishes with broad, youthfully aggressive tannins. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Rudius |
2009 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$49 |
4 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (5/2012): Good dark red. Vibrant nose offers cassis, blueberry, licorice, coffee and cocoa powder lifted by a violet topnote. Supple, pliant and fruit-driven, with enticing sweetness to the pure flavors of dark berries and chocolatey oak. At once livelier and more generous than the 2008 version, offering considerable early appeal. This seamless cabernet finishes with dusty tannins and lovely chocolatey persistence. |
|
|
2009 |
Panek Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 91+ (5/2012): Deep red with ruby highlights. Very dark aromas of cassis, licorice, licorice and violet complicated by a saline nuance and notes of herbs and tobacco leaf. Higher-pitched and less evolved than the Napa cabernet, showing less early sex appeal and pliancy. But this fresh, firm wine has the concentration and structure to reward several years of cellaring. Jeff Ames, who is also winemaker for Kenward Family Wines, has taken his own cabernets to a higher level with these 2009s.
WA 89+ (10/2013): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard comes from rocky alluvial soils just north of St. Helena. It is a richer, fuller Cabernet displaying a brooding inky/purple color, abundant acidity, moderate tannin and a firm, Bordeaux-like structure. Impressively pure, rich and medium to full-bodied, it will benefit from more time in the bottle, and should keep for 12-15 years. |
|
| Mark Ryan |
2009 |
Dead Horse Red Wine |
$51 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (12/2012): The Mark Ryan 2009 Dead Horse blends with its Cabernet Sauvignon 15% Cabernet Franc, 11% Malbec, 8% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot, enlisting four-year-old vines in as yet little-known but superbly-situated Obelisco Vineyard to supplement fruit from its tongue-in-cheek namesake (Ciel du Cheval) and Klipsun. Cassis, cedar, and dark tobacco inform the nose as well as a palpably dense, subtly chewy and vivaciously juicy palate. A briny, mineral and at the same time sweetly savory suggestion of anchovy paste adds irresistibly saliva-inducing savor to the long finish of this impeccably balanced bottling that ought to be worth following for at least ten or a dozen years. |
|
|
2009 |
Long Haul Red Wine |
$51 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (12/2012): Mark Ryan’s 2009 Long Haul – sourced from Klipsun and Ciel du Cheval with some Stillwater Creek in a supporting role – blends 27% Cabernet Franc, 8% Malbec, and a jot of Petit Verdot with its Merlot. Profuse bittersweet floral perfume and black fruits make for an alluring aromatic display and are beautifully-integrated with mint, black tea, and bitter-edged resinous herbs on an expansive and polished palate, leading to the long, subtle interplay of a memorably complex finish. This ought to be worth following for at least a decade. |
|
| Saxum |
2009 |
Bone Rock James Berry Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$139 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (8/2011): The 2009 Bone Rock is a round, enticing red laced with sweet, succulent dark cherries, plums, flowers and spices. It shows remarkable intensity and fabulous balance. Bone Rock is made from the first blocks planted in the James Berry vineyard and is predominantly Syrah, while the James Berry Vineyard (the wine) is Grenache focused. In 2009 the blend was 57% Syrah, 31% Mourvedre and 12% Grenache. The Syrah component was vinified with 100% stems and saw a maceration lasting 50 days. The wine was aged in 60% new oak. Smith bottled the 2009 in May 2011, earlier than the norm (around 30 months), as he wanted to preserve the freshness he had in the tannins. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021. |
|
|
2009 |
Booker Vyd. Syrah |
$129 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
Broken Stones Proprietary Blend |
$119 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (8/2011): The 2009 Broken Stones is sourced from all of the estate’s vineyards, which in this vintage includes Padereweski fruit for the first time, although most of the fruit was sourced from James Berry. Today it comes across as rather tightly wound and implosive, although with air the wine’s potential becomes more evident. Dark cherries, licorice and smoke wrap around the intense finish. Floral notes add the final layers of complexity and nuance. This is another fabulous effort. In 2009 the blend is 60% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre, 12% Petite Sirah and 8% Grenache. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2021. |
|
|
2009 |
James Berry Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$149 |
6 |
|
| |
VM 98 (8/2011): Simply put, the 2009 James Berry Vineyard is one of the greatest young wines I have ever tasted from California, or anywhere for that matter. Bright, floral aromatics lead to expressive red fruit in this impossibly elegant, dazzling wine. A melange of rose petals, mint and licorice follows as the James Berry shows off its breathtaking clarity and finesse. Fine-grained, chalky tannins frame the exceptional finish. Frankly, I am surprised this is the first wine of the tasting. Where does one go from here? The 2009 James Berry is a bit of departure from previous vintages. This is the highest percentage of Grenache ever used in the blend, and a large portion of the Grenache was aged in concrete, an approach Smith has borrowed from producers in the Rhone. Originally Smith had intended to age less of the Grenache components in concrete, but the low yields of the vintage forced him to age about two-thirds of the Grenache in concrete. Call it a happy coincidence, but it certainly looks like things turned out well. Readers should do whatever they can to taste this fabulous wine. In 2009 the James Berry Vineyard is 57% Grenache, 31% Mourvedre and 12% Syrah. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2021.
JS 97 (10/2011): Beautiful aromas of violets and sandalwood. Bright fruit too, with citrus, zest and mineral notes. Full, yet compacted and dense. Long and spicy yet minerally and fruity.
VM 96 (10/2011): (57% grenache, 31% mourvedre and 12% syrah): Deep, bright violet. Intensely perfumed black raspberry and blueberry on the nose, with seductive Asian spice, lavender and incense qualities emerging with air. Sappy red and dark berry liqueur flavors are lifted by juicy acidity picking up suave spice and floral pastille notes on the back end. Velvety tannins provide shape but are absorbed by the lush fruit, which carries through an extremely long, sappy, incisive finish. |
|
|
2009 |
James Berry Vyd. Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$315 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 98 (8/2011): Simply put, the 2009 James Berry Vineyard is one of the greatest young wines I have ever tasted from California, or anywhere for that matter. Bright, floral aromatics lead to expressive red fruit in this impossibly elegant, dazzling wine. A melange of rose petals, mint and licorice follows as the James Berry shows off its breathtaking clarity and finesse. Fine-grained, chalky tannins frame the exceptional finish. Frankly, I am surprised this is the first wine of the tasting. Where does one go from here? The 2009 James Berry is a bit of departure from previous vintages. This is the highest percentage of Grenache ever used in the blend, and a large portion of the Grenache was aged in concrete, an approach Smith has borrowed from producers in the Rhone. Originally Smith had intended to age less of the Grenache components in concrete, but the low yields of the vintage forced him to age about two-thirds of the Grenache in concrete. Call it a happy coincidence, but it certainly looks like things turned out well. Readers should do whatever they can to taste this fabulous wine. In 2009 the James Berry Vineyard is 57% Grenache, 31% Mourvedre and 12% Syrah. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2021.
JS 97 (10/2011): Beautiful aromas of violets and sandalwood. Bright fruit too, with citrus, zest and mineral notes. Full, yet compacted and dense. Long and spicy yet minerally and fruity.
VM 96 (10/2011): (57% grenache, 31% mourvedre and 12% syrah): Deep, bright violet. Intensely perfumed black raspberry and blueberry on the nose, with seductive Asian spice, lavender and incense qualities emerging with air. Sappy red and dark berry liqueur flavors are lifted by juicy acidity picking up suave spice and floral pastille notes on the back end. Velvety tannins provide shape but are absorbed by the lush fruit, which carries through an extremely long, sappy, incisive finish. |
|
|
2009 |
Paderewski Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$105 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 97 (8/2011): The 2009 Paderewski Vineyard is a new bottling from a site Smith developed for Bill and Liz Armstrong, the owners of Epoch. Zinfandel, Syrah, Petit Sirah and Mourvedre are planted in separate plots but co-fermented. Layers of dark fruit meld into flowers, mint, sweet spices, menthol, eucalyptus and plums, with marvelous density and harmony. This shows superb aromatic complexity and tons of nuance to match its absolutely striking personality. It is a dazzling effort, especially for a young vineyard in just its third leaf. The blend was 39% Zinfandel, 38% Syrah, 13% Petite Sirah and 10% Mourvedre. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2021.
JD 93-96 (12/2011): The 2009 Saxum Paderewski Vineyard, 39% Zinfandel, 38% Syrah, 12% Petite Sirah, and 10% Mourvedre, yields and complex array of bramble driven fruits, violets, licorice, and spice on the nose. Upfront and intensely perfumed, this full bodied, round, supple blend is beautifully textured through the middle, and carries a healthy dose of rustic tannin on the finish. Straight up delicious, this beauty will be a hedonistic delight on release, with 10-12 years or more of prime drinking!
VM 93 (10/2011): (39% zinfandel, 38% syrah, 13% petite sirah and 10% mourvedre, all co-fermented): Inky purple. Seductively perfumed aromas of dark berry preserves, potpourri, Asian spices, anise and mocha. Broad, sweet and spicy in the mouth, showing Outstanding vivacity to its black and blue fruit flavors accented by clove and candied flowers. Finishes spicy and lucid. This is the first release for this bottling.
JS 93 (10/2011): This is full and spicy with blackberry and spices with a chalk and dried fruits. Round and velvety. A little warm but I like the spices. This is wine from a vineyard on Peachy Canyon road. Solid core of fruit here. 39% Zinfandel, 38% Syrah, 13% Petite Sirah, and 10% Mouvedre. Drink now or hold. |
|
| Scherrer Winery |
2009 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$35 |
6 |
|
| |
BH 90 (10/2013): An exuberantly spicy, ripe and fresh nose offers up notes of plum and black cherry along with menthol and anise hints. The plush and dense medium-bodied flavors possess fine volume and good detail before culminating in a powerful and palate coating finish. Like the Platt, this is a big pinot with plenty of muscle and tannin-buffering dry extract. Drink 2017+. Outstanding!
VM 91 (5/2012): Bright violet color. Spicy, mineral-accented redcurrant and strawberry aromas, with a hint of fresh rose. Clean and vibrant, showing sappy red fruit character and a strong note of spicecake. Finishes quite long, with vibrant red berry and floral pastille flavors and lingering minerality. |
|
| School House |
2009 |
Spring Mountain District Pinot Noir |
$50 |
9 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
Spring Mountain District Pinot Noir Lightly Scuffed Label |
$50 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
Spring Mountain District Pinot Noir Heavily Scuffed Label |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Schrader |
2009 |
Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$325 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Schrader Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is one of the more plush, overt wines in this lineup. There is tremendous depth in the fruit in this massive, sweeping wine. The aromas and flavors build towards the cascading finish. The Schrader is a decidedly big, muscular wine that emphasizes power over detail. The Schrader is predominantly clone 4 from the D2 block, with a dollop of clone 6 from the D2 block and clone 337 from the B2 block. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029. |
|
|
2009 |
CCS Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$275 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 96+ (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon CCS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard comes across as big, tight and powerful. This is one of the more reticent, inward of the 2009 Schraders. Tar, licorice, menthol and violets are some of the notes that wrap around the intense, virile finish. Today the CCS is a touch compact. It will merit a higher score if the fruit fills out a little more. CCS is clone 4 from the C1 block. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. |
|
|
2009 |
RBS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$295 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon RBS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard comes across as dark, plush and inviting, but with greater inner focus and minerality than some of the other wines here. Graphite, smoke, tar and licorice are some of the notes that wrap around the intense, juicy finish. I especially admire the way the RBS grows in the glass as it turns more explosive over time, yet never loses its more refined shades of expression. The RBS is 100% clone 337 from the B1 and B2 blocks. According to winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, it is the addition of fruit from B2 (new this year) that gives the 2009 much of its personality. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. |
|
| Seven Stones |
2009 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$200 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is a huge wine bursting with dark fruit, licorice, scorched earth, tar and grilled herbs. This is an especially big, hulking 2009 that is likely to require a measure of patience. Massive tannins frame the fruit through to the virile finish. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. |
|
|
2009 |
Cabernet Sauvignon Lightly Scuffed Label |
$200 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is a huge wine bursting with dark fruit, licorice, scorched earth, tar and grilled herbs. This is an especially big, hulking 2009 that is likely to require a measure of patience. Massive tannins frame the fruit through to the virile finish. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. |
|
| Sharecropper's Wine Company |
2009 |
Pinot Noir |
$8.50 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Sheridan Vineyard |
2009 |
Block 1 Cabernet Sauvignon |
$119 |
7 |
|
| |
| WA 97-100 (8/2011): The 2009 Block 1 is thicker, richer, more velvety, and more pleasure-bent than the 2008. It is a candidate for perfection once it goes into bottle. |
|
|
2009 |
Singularity Syrah |
$55 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (12/2012): Sheridan’s pure Syrah 2009 Singularity has picked up a lot of caramelized resin and firm, formidable tannin, but there is also a wealth of cepage-typical virtues: richly ripe cherry with creme de cassis and chocolate; sage and mint both pungent and metaphorically cooling; black pepper and charred, roasted red meat. What’s more, in comparison with other Sheridan bottlings from this vintage, the tannins here are practically svelte and silken! (Okay, that’s an exaggeration, you understand: there’s still plenty to chew here.) There is even a suggestion of crushed stone to undergird and add interest to the sustained finish. Check this again in 2-3 years and anticipate at least that much time again to ponder and savor its virtues. |
|
| Sleight of Hand |
2009 |
The Archimage Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Charles Smith |
2009 |
Royal City Syrah |
$99 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (12/2012): Representing the fourth installment of a wine designed to showcase what he treats as his Cinderella vineyard (though it's not actually his), with whose Syrah vines as he puts it "we hit it out of the ballpark already with the first vintage," Smith's 2009 Syrah Stoneridge Vineyard Royal City combines amazing density of sappy cassis, cherry concentrate, bitter huckleberry, licorice and road tar with vibratory impingement of brown spices, citrus rind, brined anchovy, and some je ne sais quoi that, as with numerous other Washington behemoths, it manages to pull from an environmental stock of energy. All of that said, you'll have to really like the particular flavors on exhibit here to want to imbibe them at this level of near-overwhelming concentration; overnight the only change I noted was the emergence of a faintly caramelized and rancid note from oak; and whether the strong tannins that lurk beneath this wine's sweet, viscous, tarry surface will remain well-blanketed as it evolves in bottle only time can tell. (I'll hope to taste one of the four previous vintages of Royal City next year, but even so, wine built to this scale must count as very young still at only age six or less.) Naturally it hasn't escaped me that most of my fellow critics have praised these Royal City wines as if they represented the proverbial Shining City on the Hill of Syrah, and some friends I especially respect have written eloquently of their virtues. I guess I have to part ways with them in the degree of excitement I find myself able to muster for an, as yet at least, rather amorphous syrup of Syrah, even one so startlingly shot through with virtual lightning bolts of energy. But, as already suggested, I'll hope to find out what precipitates from this big, dark vinous storm cloud over the years. |
|
|
2009 |
Stoneridge Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Soos Creek |
2009 |
Champoux Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
12 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
Ciel du Cheval Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Spring Mountain Vineyard |
2009 |
Elivette Proprietary Blend |
$110 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 89 (5/2013): (55% cabernet sauvignon, 22% cabernet franc, 12% petit verdot, 10% merlot and 1% malbec): Bright dark red. Musky currant, dark cherry and smoky oak on the nose; less exotic than the 2008. Then riper and sweeter in the mouth, with currant and salty mineral flavors complicated by nuances of chocolate, cedar, mint and mocha. Finishes dry in an Old World way, with a solid spine of dusty tannins. Still quite oaky but this has a fresh minerality and a silkiness that I didn't find in the 2008 release. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2009 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 89+ (5/2013): Good red-ruby. Black- and redcurrant, licorice, mocha, chocolate mint and herbs on the nose. Juicy, spicy, bright and light on its feet, offering an attractive balance of dark fruit, oak and mineral components. Nicely delineated, youthfully medicinal cabernet, finishing with firm but suave tannins and slowly mounting persistence. Potentially outstanding. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Stags' Leap Winery |
2009 |
Napa Valley Petite Sirah |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Tenor Wines |
2009 |
1:1 Proprietary Blend |
$70 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 90 (6/2013): Looking at the Bordeaux-blend efforts, the 2009 1:1 is the estate’s flagship wine and is comprised of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 12% Malbec and 6% Merlot that spent 20 months in 100% new French oak. Revealing classic Bordeaux-like aromas of creme de cassis, lead pencil shavings, spring flowers and hints of spice box, this full-bodied effort has a concentrated, firm feel on the palate with bright, if not racy, acidity that gives a slight metallic edge to the substantial tannin. I’d like to see more overall integration on the palate; nevertheless, there’s lot to like here and it’s certainly impressive for the sheer wealth of material and overall high drinkability. I would give bottles another year or two before checking in to see how it is developing; it should have at least a decade of longevity after that (and hopefully warrant a higher score).
VM 90 (11/2013): Saturated, bright medium ruby. Blackberry, cassis, licorice, spicecake and bitter chocolate on the slightly medicinal nose. Plush, creamy and sweet on the palate; a silkier, creamier, more open-knit version of the 2010, for drinking earlier. Plum and chocolate flavors pick up currant and menthol notes on the very ripe, seamless finish. Nothing a bit dry about these tannins. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Terlato Vineyards |
2009 |
Episode Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$169.15 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| The Vineyardist |
2009 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109 |
1 |
|
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WA 96 (10/2013): The spectacular 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 100% new French oak for 20 months that finished at 14.8% alcohol. It displays a classic mountain profile of lead pencil shavings, charcoal embers, creme de cassis, blackberries, licorice and a meaty, truffle-like character. Full-bodied and rich as well as exceptionally well-delineated with polished tannins and a savory, intense mouthfeel, this stunning debut Cabernet exudes enormous potential.
VM 95 (2/2012): Dirk Fulton and Becky Kukkola purchased the estate, which traces its lineage back to the late 19th century, in 2000. Jim Barbour replanted the vineyards and Mark Herold is in charge of winemaking. The 2009 is the first wine to be released from this steep, hillside site on Diamond Mountain. I also tasted the 2010, but it was too reduced to evaluate. The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is a huge, hulking mountain Cabernet bursting with black fruit, crème de cassis, licorice, smoke, tar and spices. The 2009 shows dazzling richness and tons of power, not to mention tons of personality and character. Mark Herold used 85% new oak barrels for the 2009. With a little less new oak, the wine's signature aromatic and flavor profile might come through with even more clarity. Still, the 2009 is pretty striking just as it is. (Drink between 2014-2024). Antonio Galloni. |
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2009 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$150 |
2 |
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WA 96 (10/2013): The spectacular 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 100% new French oak for 20 months that finished at 14.8% alcohol. It displays a classic mountain profile of lead pencil shavings, charcoal embers, creme de cassis, blackberries, licorice and a meaty, truffle-like character. Full-bodied and rich as well as exceptionally well-delineated with polished tannins and a savory, intense mouthfeel, this stunning debut Cabernet exudes enormous potential.
VM 95 (2/2012): Dirk Fulton and Becky Kukkola purchased the estate, which traces its lineage back to the late 19th century, in 2000. Jim Barbour replanted the vineyards and Mark Herold is in charge of winemaking. The 2009 is the first wine to be released from this steep, hillside site on Diamond Mountain. I also tasted the 2010, but it was too reduced to evaluate. The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is a huge, hulking mountain Cabernet bursting with black fruit, crème de cassis, licorice, smoke, tar and spices. The 2009 shows dazzling richness and tons of power, not to mention tons of personality and character. Mark Herold used 85% new oak barrels for the 2009. With a little less new oak, the wine's signature aromatic and flavor profile might come through with even more clarity. Still, the 2009 is pretty striking just as it is. (Drink between 2014-2024). Antonio Galloni. |
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| Twomey Cellars (Silver Oak) |
2009 |
Merlot |
$30 |
2 |
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| Clos du Val |
2009 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
1 |
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| WA 90 (12/2012): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags’ Leap District (Napa Valley) is quite pretty in this vintage. A warm, resonant bouquet laced with espresso, plums and spices meld into expressive dark berries as this mid-weight, polished Cabernet opens up in the glass. Hints of raspberry jam, rose petals and mocha are layered into the persistent finish. Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is rarely inexpensive, but this is about as good as it gets for the money. |
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| Venge |
2009 |
Scout’s Honor Napa Valley Proprietary Blend |
$39 |
1 |
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| VM 88 (12/2011): The 2009 Zinfandel Scout's Honor is a big, super ripe wine loaded with sweet, jammy fruit. It shows good textural elegance and depth, although admittedly, this is not a style I am crazy about. The blend is 55% Zinfandel, 22% Petite Syrah, 14% Charbono and 9% Syrah. Antonio Galloni. |
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| Vineyard 7 & 8 |
2009 |
7 Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
3 |
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2009 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$95 |
1 |
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WA 94 (10/2018): The deep garnet-purple colored 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate opens with explosive preserved plums, blueberry compote and Black Forest cake with Chinese five spice, chocolate box and licorice hints. The palate is big, rich, full, fruity and gregarious with tons of exotic spices, blue and black fruit flavors and a velvety texture, finishing long and lively.
VM 91+ (7/2019): Bright, dark red. A slight medicinal cast to the aromas of blackcurrant, licorice, wild sage and dark chocolate. Briary blueberry and blackcurrant fruit and torrefaction flavors are complicated by licorice and menthol and lifted by a repeating note of wild herbs. At once thick and juicy, this chewy, mountain-style Cabernet finishes with a hint of warmth and some acidity yet to be absorbed. I suspect this wine is passing through an awkward stage, so I'd hold it for another couple of years before pulling the cork. (14.8% alcohol) (Drink between 2021-2034). Stephen Tanzer. |
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| Andrew Will |
2009 |
Sorella Proprietary Blend |
$79 |
3 |
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WA 94 (6/2013): With slightly less Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend compared to the 2010, the 2009 Sorella checks in with 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. Very aromatic, if not a touch exotic, with floral, lavender and wild herb qualities giving way to a beautiful core of fruit, it flows onto the palate with a silky, polished texture, integrated acidity and dusty tannin that frames the finish. Still in need of another handful of years in the cellar, it will shine for 10-12 years.
VM 94 (11/2012): Good bright red-ruby. Superripe aromas of cassis, cocoa powder, sandalwood and nutty oak. Supple, creamy, full and deep, with lush flavors of red fruits, spices and sandalwood given shape by underlying minerality. The big, ripe tannins coat the palate and front teeth on the very long, rich finish. Stephen Tanzer. |
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| Winter Estate |
2009 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$79 |
6 |
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| Woodward Canyon |
2009 |
Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
3 |
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