2009 David Arthur Cabernet Sauvignon Elevation 1147

Bright ruby-red. Briary dark berries and minerals on the perfumed nose, with complicating notes of licorice, violet, dusty herbs and rocks. Smooth and rather suave on the palate, showing good inner-mouth violet lift to its crushed dark berry fruit. Spreads out nicely to saturate the palate, with the substantial but nicely integrated tannins in harmony with the wine's fruit. Not hugely complex but nicely balanced and persistent, finishing with a lingering note of salted butter caramel.

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Elevation 1147 is the product of a very late harvest that stretched into the last days of October. Here, too, the fruit is dark, rich and powerful. I don't see a meaningful difference in quality between the 1147 and the Old Vine in 2009, rather the differences are more about style. The 1147 is the most overt, powerful, and structured wine in the lineup of 2009s here. Dark red berries, earthiness, licorice and smoke add complexity as the wine opens up in the glass. Firm tannins support the intense, powerful finish. It will be interesting to see if the nuances of the estate's two Cabernets emerge more fully over time.

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Elevation 1147 is the product of a very late harvest that stretched into the last days of October. Here, too, the fruit is dark, rich and powerful. I don’t see a meaningful difference in quality between the 1147 and the Old Vine in 2009, rather the differences are more about style. The 1147 is the most overt, powerful, and structured wine in the lineup of 2009s here. Dark red berries, earthiness, licorice and smoke add complexity as the wine opens up in the glass. Firm tannins support the intense, powerful finish. It will be interesting to see if the nuances of the estate’s two Cabernets emerge more fully over time. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029. I was deeply impressed with the wines I tasted at David Arthur this year. Winemaker Nile Zacherle has done a brilliant job with these new and upcoming releases. The David Arthur style is all about richness without excess heaviness. In addition to the wines below, I also tasted a Nebbiolo from the 2011 harvest that is easily one of the most interesting California Nebbiolos I have ever come across. Tel. (707) 963-5190