2009 HALL Cabernet Sauvignon Segassia Vineyard

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Segassia Vineyard boasts a serious core of blue and black fruit, cinnamon, cloves, licorice and menthol. The 2009 Segassia is one of the better wines of the vintage at Hall. A long, expressive finish and a compelling sense of overall balance distinguish the Segassia in this lineup. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. 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 Segassia Vineyard (from barrel) is totally closed down and not fully expressive. With time in the glass, hints of dark red fruit, chocolate, spices and licorice begin to emerge, but only reluctantly. I am curious to see where this goes once it is in bottle.