2009 Exzellenz Cabernet Sauvignon

Dark cherries, plums, mocha and sweet exotic spices all take shape in Hall’s 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Exzellenz Sacrashe Vineyard. Like many of the estate’s 2009s, the Exzellenz isn’t perfectly expressive in its bouquet. Today, the wine appears to be massively shut down and nowhere near as impressive as it was from barrel. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. Once again, I tasted a large number of wines from Hall this year. The 2010s are off the charts, and a big step up from the more inconsistent 2009s. A meticulous approach to vineyard and cellar work, including organic farming, native fermentations and malos, and the avoidance of fining and/or filtration informs wines of true pedigree and personality. The Hall wines are unapologetically big, powerful and exceptionally well balanced. Tel. (707) 967-2629

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Exzellenz Sacrashe Vineyard (from barrel) fleshes out beautifully on the mid-palate with dark cherries, mocha, espresso and sweet spices. It shows superb intensity from start to finish.