2009 Etude Cabernet Sauvignon Madrona Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Saturated medium ruby. Attractive violet lift to the aromas of cassis, black cherry, espresso, menthol, minerals and fruity dark chocolate. Plush and pliant Cabernet, but with a strong spine of acidity and a distinctly herbal element giving definition and lift to the dark fruit and chocolate flavors. A bit porty on the back end but the fresh side of port, not the oxidative aspect. In fact, this juicy wine is still quite youthfully unevolved and is likely to gain in nuance and shape with more cellaring.
Critic scores
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Bright deep ruby. Brooding aromas of cassis, black cherry, spicecake, mocha and graphite. Broad, suave and smooth, with juicy acidity giving definition to the cassis and dark chocolate flavors. Not a plush style but the deepest of this set of 2009 cabernets and the most refined. Finishes with suave but firm tannins and excellent length.
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville, from Vine Hill Ranch, is rich, ripe and explosive. Seamless and layered, the 2009 impresses for its multidimensional personality and sheer finesse. Iron, tar, graphite and incense add multiple shades of complexity and nuance. There is nothing missing in this superb, pedigreed wine. The 2009 is all about grace and pure class. I loved it.
Etude's 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley bursts from the glass with juicy dark berries, grilled herbs, menthol, tar, tobacco and licorice. Firm tannins provide the backbone as this powerful, muscular Cabernet opens up in the glass. Raspberry jam, flowers and spices add lift on the finish. Slightly wild notes detract a touch from the wine's overall balance. Otherwise, this is a fine effort. The 2009 needs a few years to settle down, after which it should drink beautifully for another decade. The blend is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029. Tel. (707) 257-5300