Professional Ratings

• 93 Wine Spectator
  This has finesse and intensity, delivering fresh ripe currant, plum, espresso and sage flavors on a deftly balanced frame, lingering on the expressive finish. Drink now through 2019.
• 91 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  Having spent 20 months in half new barrels, the Bookwalter 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Foreshadow – from Conner Lee, Ciel du Cheval and Bacchus, with a bit of Syrah from Elephant Mountain – is predictably marked by oak, but in a flattering way, with nutmeg and praline accents to its otherwise mint-, licorice-, and tobacco-infused creme de cassis. Texturally this is extremely fine, where the corresponding Merlot, surprisingly, had taken on some woody roughness. Bookwalter is quite right in suggesting that, however paradoxically, this is the more elegant and that Merlot the more muscular. Suggestions of heliotrope and honeysuckle in the nose persist alluringly as inner-mouth perfume, and this wine finishes with persistent polish and, for all of its sense of sweetness and breadth, considerable energy as well.
• 91 Wine Enthusiast
  This is 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, with an addition of Syrah. Fully ripe, bold and assertive, this high-octane wine holds its alcohol well. Muscular and powerful, it has black cherry and cassis flavors that saturated with baking spice, chocolate, cedar and coffee notes. This is well supported by acids and is matched to perfectly ripe tannins.