2009 Amoenus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Amoenus, which I previously tasted from barrel when it was a lot more open, has shut down completely (as a lot of 2009s seem to be doing). Full-bodied and rich, it reveals notes of damp earth, blackberries and creme de cassis as well as a distinctive terroir character. Although there are elevated tannins, they seem relatively sweet and not the least astringent. Nevertheless, this cuvee has gone into a firm, closed state and several years of bottle age is recommended. It should keep for 15-25 years. There are now two Mayback cuvees. The Materium comes from a single block called the Weitz Vineyard at a 1,000 foot elevation on the eastern side of Oakville. The Amoenus comes from a Calistoga vineyard on Tubbs Lane (where Chateau Montelena is located). These wines continue to prove the exceptional efforts and quality the proprietors have achieved since I first started tasting these wines nearly a decade ago. That commitment to excellence is reflected in the fact that Maybach completely declassified both the 2011 Amoenus and Materium cuvees. www.maybachwine.com
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(the first vintage for this wine, from a rocky vineyard just south of Knights Valley): Bright, dark ruby. Aromas of black cherry, licorice and minerals. A very rocky style in the mouth, with distinctly black flavors of dark berries, violet and minerals. Less pliant and deep than the Materium but in a more powerful style, finishing with serious tannic spine and lingering violet perfume. A rather cool site that's open to afternoon breezes from the west. Well worth following.
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Amoenus flows across the palate with dark, jammy black fruit, licorice and tar. It shows good depth but the tannins lack a bit of polish relative to the best wines here. Today the 2009 comes across as a work in progress.
(from a rocky site in Calistoga): Deep, bright ruby. Blackberry, licorice, spices and mint on the nose, complemented by an iron nuance. Creamy and concentrated but a bit medicinal today, with blackberry and spice flavors currently cut off by substantial dusty, slightly dry tannins. Like the 2009 Materium, this is distinctly black fruit in character and not at all a fat style of cabernet.
About the producer
Founded in 2004 by Chris Maybach, Maybach Family Vineyards honors a family legacy of quality and artistry dating back over a century to the creation of the Maybach automobile. Determined to bring that same excellence to winemaking, Chris partnered with acclaimed Napa winemaker Thomas Brown.