Tenor Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
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Parker
Robert
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Sourced from a biodynamically farmed portion of Hedges Estate on Red Mountain plus Lawrence and Stillwater Creek on the Royal Slope, Tenor’s 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted with the ambitious intention of “develop(ing) nicely over the next 16 to 18 years” and one thing that can be said for sure is it’s possessed of abundant tannins finer in grain than the corresponding Malbec. At the same time, Morell sees it as the most generous of his reds in its youth, and that was indeed (happily) the case on this occasion. Scents of cassis, dark cherry, bittersweet floral perfume, and a hint of band-aid as well as a stony undertone on the wine’s dense palate all put me a bit in mind of Bordeaux. Notes of toast and vanilla from all-new barrel (where this spent 21 months, the longest Morell says he will permit) largely back-off after the initial whiff to let considerable floral, mineral and fruit nuances come through in a persistent if still firmly tannic finish. This benefitted from exposure to air and I regret that it was logistically impossible for me to follow it for a genuinely extended period.
Other Vintages
2016-
Parker
Robert
Washington produces so many exciting wines, and that definitely includes Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. With over 10,000 acres under vine, Cabernet Sauvignon is now the most widely-grown varietal in the state. Terrific examples hail from sub-appellations like Red Mountain, Wahluke Slope, Horse Heaven Hills and Walla Walla Valley. One of the fascinations of these Columbia Valley Cabs is that they so often seem to have one foot in the New World and one in the Old. Representing the former are characteristics like the ripe, forward fruit that results from long sunny days during the growing season (up to two hours longer than in much of California). Old World similarities include an undeniable brightness from acidity, as well as notes of herbs, graphite and a dusty, sometimes gravelly minerality.
Whether you’re looking for a budget bottle for everyday enjoyment, or a stellar, world-class wine with tremendous aging potential, Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon wines can deliver the goods! Among the many fine options are bottles from Columbia Crest, Chateau Ste. Michelle, L’ecole #41, Quilceda Creek and Leonetti.