2009 Leviathan Red

Made by Andy Erickson and missing from the fall Rhone Ranger report, the 2009 Leviathan, a blend of 28% Syrah, 26% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 21% Cabernet Franc, starts out tight and oak driven, yet opens up beautifully over the evening to show an overall polished, understated and elegant profile. Exhibiting classy aromas of raspberry and crème de cassis on the nose, with subtle vanilla, herbs, flowers, and licorice all emerging with air, this medium to full-bodied blend is silky and polished on the palate and shows solid mid-palate concentration, a seamless, light texture, and fine grained tannin showing on the finish. There is an upfront nature here, yet I think this has the balance to evolve and drink well for at least 5-6 years, possibly longer. If drinking anytime soon, give bottles an hour in the decanter.