2009 Stewart Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Paul Hobbs crafts these sumptuous wines for the Stewart family. The Cabernets spend 22 months in barrel, 80% new for the Nomad and 65% for the straight Cabernet. Both are well worth the effort of tracking down. Stewart's 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is laced with dark berries, flowers, mint, tobacco and smoke, all of which are wrapped into an attractive, medium-bodied frame. There is no shortage of personality in the glass. Hints of smoke, licorice, savory herbs and tobacco are layered into a finish that at times shows some slightly wilder, gamier overtones. The 2009 impresses for its depth, balance and overall complexity. The 2009 is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Crystal Springs, Lincoln, Stagecoach and Las Piedras.