2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

The 2009 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon (87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot) displays a slightly peppery nose, but ratchets up the level of concentration with pure black currant and black cherry fruit as well as licorice and lead pencil shavings. This beautiful, dense, full-bodied 2009 is exceptionally elegant, pure and seamless. Drink it over the next 20-25 years.

Once again, the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon pays homage to the 2007, but the aromas and flavors seems to be just a touch brighter, which might just be a function of the wine's age. A wine of remarkable precision, the 2009 is totally dialed in from start to finish. Layers of intensely sweet, perfumed fruit are woven together with remarkable elegance and sheer polish. Today, the 2009 isn't quite as radiant as it has been in the past, and seems headed for a stubborn phase. It is still striking, though. Even if a bit less exotic than the 2007, the two wines share a silkiness and overall sense of textural finesse. A translucent, weightless finish rounds things out in style. The 2009 is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot.

(87% cabernet sauvignon, 8% cabernet franc and 5% merlot): Good bright ruby-red. Vibrant aromas of crushed cassis, ripe redcurrant, licorice, bitter chocolate, tobacco and spearmint. Smooth and impressively concentrated, with a hint of medicinal austerity to the flavors of black fruits, violet, bitter chocolate and menthol. Penetrating, gripping wine with great flavor intensity. Powerfully structured too, finishing with firm tannins and outstanding, slowly building, juicy length. The pH here is 3.8, according to estate manager Armand de Maigret, but the wine boasts outstanding lift.