2009 Vine Hill Ranch VHR Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is ample and creamy in feel. There is real textural depth and intensity here. Plush fruit and polished, supple tannins add to its charm. The 2009 can be enjoyed today or cellared for a decade or so. Succulent red cherry, plum, menthol, licorice and spice build into the voluptuous finish. "It was a warm year with late rains," Bruce Phillips added.

Bright, full ruby. Black and blue fruits, licorice, violet, tobacco and smoky oak on the alluring, slightly high-toned nose. Wonderfully seamless and velvety if still quite backward; but even today there are no rough edges to the highly complex flavors of dark berries, black cherry, licorice, graphite, spices and flowers. Harmonious acidity and a touch of tangerine peel contribute lift and grip. This very refined Cabernet finishes with a suave dusting of tannins and subtle, rising, palate-staining length. A stunning example, from vineyard blocks picked during the first half of October. (14.5% alcohol)

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is gorgeous. Layers of dark red fruit, flowers, spices and licorice are some of the notes that emerge in this beautifully delineated, expressive Cabernet. The fruit shows fabulous vibrancy through to the silky, perfumed finish. This is a beautiful 2009 loaded with class and personality. This is a tremendous showing.