Winemaker Notes
A profusion of aromas - crème de cassis, black cherry coulis, anise,violet, black olive, fresh herb and smoke - spill out of the glass andscent the room. Profoundly deep, complex flavors echo the aroma with firm, well-integrated tannins, vibrant acidity and a long, cocoa-mineral finish.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
During my visit, I was also able to taste the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, which now, at 10 years of age, is showing beautifully, and I’d guess is at the early stages of its prime drinking window. Lots of blackcurrants, tobacco, cedary spice, and a touch of earthy meatiness all flow from this full-bodied, ripe, layered, and beautifully textured Cabernet. A blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot, it has another 10-15 years of prime drinking, then, I suspect, a gradual decline after that.
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Tasting Panel
From Napa's promised land, a flash of white pepper and graphite stirs the senses; the driest tannins snap and slap. Blueberry and cinnamon wake up a dense core - and dignity ensues.
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Decanter
Intense essence of summer and autumn fruit on the nose with black cherry in there as well. Great acidity and lovely round tannins. Wonderful, silky mouthfeel, with sweet, supple, ripe fruit that’s not cloying or overdone. Top shelf.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet colored, the nose offers up open-knit, mature notes of baked blackberries, warm cassis and plum preserves with touches of dried sage, cigar box and menthol plus touches of smoked meats and charcoal. Medium to full-bodied, the palate leads with a sturdy structure of firm, chewy tannins and oodles of freshness framing the evolved, savory flavors, finishing on a stewed tea note.
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Wine Spectator
Pure, rich and layered, with tiers of blackberry, wild berry, black licorice and mocha flavors. Impressive for its suppleness, yet this has a firm backbone as well, flexing its tannins on the finish. Best from 2013 through 2023.
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
Home to some of the most sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon in America, Napa Valley’s Oakville district stretches across the center of Napa's valley floor and foothills between the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains. This AVA is home to the legendary To Kalon Vineyard and Martha's Vineyard, as well as many powerhouse wineries including Screaming Eagle, Silver Oak, Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Far Niente and Groth.
The climate is generally warm and agreeable, resulting in year after year of favorable vintages. Summer days see a gentle tug of war between warmer inland air and the cool air coming in from the San Pablo Bay, creating an ideal environment to grow red varieties. Oakville's diverse soils, namely ancient sea bedrock, clay and gravel, are well-drained, and perfect for high-caliber viticulture.
Cabernet here is often bottled varietally but is also popular in Bordeaux Blends. Oakville wines are known for their silky, sensual textures, structured tannins, dark and brooding fruit and lovely aromatics. These age-worthy and prestigious wines are favored by collectors throughout the world.