2009 Kobalt Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
(from Coombsville cabernet; blended with 3% malbec): Saturated dark ruby. Cassis, blackberry, licorice and violet on the nose. Quite dark in character but smooth and pliant, conveying a low-yield concentration. Very sweet, youthful wine with a long finish that coats the teeth with dusty tannins. The cabernet here was picked into November in 2009.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon flows across the palate with waves of dark red fruit, spices and licorice. The 2009 doesn't have the delineation or elegance of the 2008, but it is exceptional just the same. The aromas and flavors build beautifully to the big, seamless finish. Readers who enjoy full-bodied, hedonistic Cabernets will be thrilled with this effort.
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon flows across the palate with waves of dark red fruit, spices and licorice. The 2009 doesn’t have the delineation or elegance of the 2008, but it is exceptional just the same. The aromas and flavors build beautifully to the big, seamless finish. Readers who enjoy full-bodied, hedonistic Cabernets will be thrilled with this effort. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2021. Proprietor Kevin Carriker makes the Kobalt wines with the help of consulting winemaker Mark Herold. The vineyard is located in Coombsville, which has recently gained AVA status. Tel. (707) 258-1416; www.kobaltwines.com
(to be bottled in June): Bright medium ruby. Musky aromas of currant and mocha. Juicy on entry, then quite tightly wound, with spice, licorice and mineral notes and slightly spiky acidity. Seems to possess a bigger structure than the 2008, but this fresh, penetrating wine will need time for its serious tannins to harmonize. Incidentally, winemaker Mark Herold told me that fruit picked after the rain will not be part of this bottling.