2009 Rudius Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard comes from rocky alluvial soils just north of St. Helena. It is a richer, fuller Cabernet displaying a brooding inky/purple color, abundant acidity, moderate tannin and a firm, Bordeaux-like structure. Impressively pure, rich and medium to full-bodied, it will benefit from more time in the bottle, and should keep for 12-15 years. Many readers may know of Jeff Ames, the impressively talented winemaker for Tor Kenward at his project called Tor. He also produces his own wines under the Rudius as well as Anthem labels (the latter is reviewed elsewhere in this report). Tel. (707) 287-2986
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Deep red with ruby highlights. Very dark aromas of cassis, licorice, licorice and violet complicated by a saline nuance and notes of herbs and tobacco leaf. Higher-pitched and less evolved than the Napa cabernet, showing less early sex appeal and pliancy. But this fresh, firm wine has the concentration and structure to reward several years of cellaring. Jeff Ames, who is also winemaker for Kenward Family Wines, has taken his own cabernets to a higher level with these 2009s.