1 | Wine | Napa Valley, 2009

"This elegant and medium-bodied wine offers aromas of Cherry and herbal spice. On the palate the wine gives complex layers of cinnamon, spice, black cherry, sweet vanilla oak and floral notes, with a long velvety finish. Smooth with a silky texture and mild tannins, this versatile wine pairs well with lamb, chicken, veal, salmon and light pasta dishes."

"The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve is a beautifully balanced wine. Firm yet well-integrated tannins frame a core of dark red berries, flowers, mint, spices and licorice. The Reserve shows lovely inner perfume and mid-palate juiciness. It should drink well with a minimum of cellaring."

"Knockout floral lift to the aromas of black raspberry, blueberry, blond tobacco, almond and mint. Suave, savory and extremely precise, with penetrating flavors of dark berries, licorice, minerals and cocoa powder. The petit verdot component acts as an amplifier of aromas and flavors, notes winemaker Tod Mostero, "like a good seasoning." Medicinal in a Bordeaux way. The finishes shows outstanding length, noteworthy juiciness, and firm, noble tannins. A great vintage for Dominus."
Reviewed by Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, 95 pts

"The 2009 Dominus flows from the glass with layers of highly expressive fruit. The wine possesses stunning richness, power and depth. Dark red fruit, tobacco, flowers and spices are woven into a seamless, beautifully articulated finish. Elegance and intensity are in perfect harmony here. This is a thrilling wine from Dominus."

"Montelena’s 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate wraps around the palate with serious depth. Even with all of its intensity, the 2009 has a silkiness that makes it incredibly delicious at this early stage. Red berries, flowers, tobacco and sweet herbs all flesh out on the generous, radiant finish. While many 2009s are a bit tight today, Montelena’s 2009 Estate is showing very nicely, although it is keeping some cards close to the vest. I imagine the 2009 will start to enter its prime drinking window around age 8-10 and drink well for at least another decade beyond that."

"The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags’ Leap District (Napa Valley) is quite pretty in this vintage. A warm, resonant bouquet laced with espresso, plums and spices meld into expressive dark berries as this mid-weight, polished Cabernet opens up in the glass. Hints of raspberry jam, rose petals and mocha are layered into the persistent finish. Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is rarely inexpensive, but this is about as good as it gets for the money."

"A gorgeous, totally voluptuous wine, the 2009 Insignia bursts from the glass with exuberant blue and black fruit, grilled herbs, cloves and cassis. In 2009, the Insignia is silky and polished, yet there is considerable underlying tannin that needs time to soften. Layers of fruit flow effortlessly to the huge, structured finish. I imagine the 2009 Insignia will enjoy a broad drinking window. It is striking today, but also clearly has the stuffing to age for many, many years."

"The wine aromas open up to blackberry and cassis with a hint of cedar in the background. The wine has a rich entry, which leads to a full mid-palate and a long, soft finish. The flavors mimic that of the aroma with dark fruit and a hint of chocolate on the finish."

"Lot 283 features a voluminous nose of black and blue fruit, cherry liqueur and cappuccino oak notes. The palate is expansive yet elegant featuring the signature vibrant fruit of the 2009 vintage, hints of black licorice, espresso and a solid core of tannins that stretch the wine out tremendously."

"All of the Cabernet Sauvignon is from our Reserve Block here at the Estate. The 2009 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon shows the intrinsic black stone fruit nuances and the soft tannin structure that define our Oakville, Napa Valley-floor Cabernet. The Reserve Cabernet gets every ounce of special care a winery can devote to its flagship wine."

"The 2009 Reserve Tapestry is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Dark red fruit, flowers, licorice are some of the notes that emerge from this sleek, beautifully balanced red. As good as this is, it doesn't have the personality of the estate's Cabernets. Still, I like the deep, radiant, fleshy finish."