2009 Kristine Ashe Entre Nous Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate has closed down quite a bit in bottle since I tasted it last year. The depth and density of the fruit is there, as is the characteristic Oakville spiciness, but the sheer pleasure the wine showed twelve months ago is hiding behind a serious wall of tannin. Violets, mint, sweet red cherries and cinnamon literally burst from the glass in this beautifully delineated, vibrant Cabernet Sauvignon. The powerful tannins need time to soften, but the wine has serious potential. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029. Kristine Ashe has decided to use her name only for her grape-selling business, while the bottled wines are sold under the brand name Entre-Nous. Call me old-fashioned, but I find the "Kristine Ashe" brand much more distinctive than the bland sounding, totally non-distinctive Entre-Nous. Philippe Melka is the consulting oenologist, and the Cabernet Sauvignon remains distinctive. Tel. (707) 982-8000; info@kristineashevineyards.com
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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Kristine Ashe owns this 26-acre, organically farmed vineyard in Oakville. Philippe Melka is the consulting winemaker. The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Entre-Nous Estate opens with a deeply pitched, spiced bouquet. Mocha, dark red berries and flowers are some of the notes that flesh out in the glass. The 2009 boasts gorgeous length on the palate. Only a very slight dryness on the finish keeps the score from going higher. This is a super-impressive showing from a producer who is new to me. The 2010 is 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot.