2009 Nicholas Allen Carte Blanche Cabernet Sauvignon
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
(with 6% petit verdot; two-thirds from foothill vineyards in Calistoga, the rest from Oakville Bench): Dark ruby-red. Reticent but pure aromas of blackberry and mint. Densely packed and sweet--almost liqueur-like--with just enough Oakville fleshiness to give texture to the dark berry and mineral flavors. Rather painfully shy today, but the strong tannins are quite fine. Finishes with enticing dusty spices and plenty of spine for aging.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon caresses the palate with deep layers of dark red fruit, rose petals, smoke and espresso. It is a bit more voluptuous and sexy than the 2008 in its sleek, polished personality. All of the elements flow gracefully to the huge, textured finish. The 2009 is 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot.
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon caresses the palate with deep layers of dark red fruit, rose petals, smoke and espresso. It is a bit more voluptuous and sexy than the 2008 in its sleek, polished personality. All of the elements flow gracefully to the huge, textured finish. The 2009 is 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. Proprietor Nicholas Allen and winemaker Luc Morlet make these Bordeaux-inspired reds. The wines are vinified with natural yeasts and natural bacteria for the malolactic fermentations. The Proprietary Red is a Bordeaux right bank-modeled wine made with Cabernet Franc from To Kalon, Merlot from Newton on Spring Mountain and Cabernet Sauvignon from a vineyard in Calistoga. The Cabernet Sauvignon takes its inspiration from Bordeaux’s left bank. The first vintage for Carte Blanche is 2008. dj@carteblanchewine.com