2009 Staglin Family Ineo Red

Mocha, espresso, plums, tobacco and new leather all come to life in the 2009 INEO. A rich, layered Bordeaux-styled blend, the INEO is endowed with serious depth and power. I very much like the wine’s inner resonance and sheer personality. The blend is 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. The relatively high amount of Cabernet Franc gives the wine much of its beguiling, complex bouquet and compelling personality. I loved it. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2029. Winemaker Fredrik Johansson has done a fabulous job with these new releases. My impression is that the wines could be even better with a little more risk taking, but then again, that isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Either way, the Staglin wines are of note this year and point to an estate that may finally be finding a consistently high level. Johansson describes 2009 as a year with powerful tannins that called for extended macerations. The 2010s, from a cold vintage with a challenging set, a small crop and no heat spikes, saw shorter macerations as Johansson was less enamored with the quality of the skins. Tel. (707) 963-1749