2009 Staglin Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
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Tasting notes
Bright medium ruby. Musky aromas of black raspberry, cherry liqueur, licorice, violet, herbs and graphite minerality, given added sex appeal by notes of pipe tobacco and rich, peaty soil; a splendid manifestation of Rutherford terroir . Very plush and fine-grained, but with enough ripe acidity to give shape and energy to its flavors of red and darker berries, spices and licorice. Suggestions of cured tobacco and dark topsoil add interest. An excellent showing, as the wine's tannins have mellowed nicely since I originally tasted this wine. Delicious now, but this should last well owing to its firmness and elegance. (14.9% alcohol)
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Still quite deep coloured. Sweet start and very plump and black-fruited. Designed to impress rather than soothe? A bit tarry on the end. (JR)
The dense blue/purple-colored 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate possesses a complex bouquet of black cherry and black currant liqueur, forest floor, baking spice and subtle background oak. This rich, complex, full-bodied 2009 is just beginning to open and show tertiary nuances. It should continue to age well for 20-25 years. It is good to see the Staglins exploit the well-known Bella Oaks Vineyard made famous by Joe Heitz. www.staglinfamily.com
(14.9% alcohol): Saturated medium ruby. Exotic crushed berries, mocha and lead pencil on the nose; a bit less complex than the 2010. Chewy and strong if a bit rougher and warmer than the young '10, with black cherry and licorice flavors joined by smoke, loam and chocolatey oak. Ultimately pliant and sweet but the substantial dusty tannins will require at least three or four years to harmonize.