Miner Family The Oracle 2009

Professional Ratings

• 92 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

  The 2009 The Oracle is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot, 5% Malbec and 5% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet colored, the nose delivers loads of savory/earthy/meaty characters to begin, opening to reveal a core of crème de cassis and plum preserves plus hints of chargrill, truffles and tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a sturdy structure and bags of savory-laced black fruit, finishing on a stewed tea note.

• 90 Connoisseurs' Guide
  There is a good deal of character to this ample, fairly full-bodied effort not the least of which is a full measure of curranty fruit, a bit of briary spice and plenty of creamy, vanilla-bean oak. There is more than a bit of youthful tannin at work too, yet even though a touch rough and ragged at the finish, the wine ends on a positive note as its basic fruit emerges unscathed. It is not long on manners just now, but will find some much needed smoothing with age, and it is best left alone for six to eight years.