2009 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

JebDunnuck.com, Jeb Dunnuck

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is another dead ringer for a top Bordeaux, offering pure blue fruits and crème de cassis nuances as well as violets, spice box, and flowers. The tannins are polished, the balance is spot on, and it has a terrific mid-palate and a great finish. I’d put this in the early to middle of its drink window and I’d certainly be thrilled to drink a bottle today. Nevertheless, it will continue to deliver the goods over the coming 15-20 years. The blend of the 2009 is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, and this was the first vintage to include Petit Verdot. 97 points (August 23, 2021)

The Wine Advocate, Robert Parker

In 2009, a hot vintage produced low-acid grapes, while production jumped to 2,748 cases. The wine was a blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Cabernet Franc and, for the first time, 1% Petit Verdot. The wine has an opaque purple color, a big, sweet kiss of blueberries and blackberries with charcoal embers, forest floor and a floral note. It is full-bodied, classic and rich with still-moderate tannins in the finish. The wine is still in its infantile stages, besides being seven years of age and probably won’t hit its prime for at least another 5–10 years. It has at least 30 or more years of aging ahead of it. 96+ points (#226, August 31, 2016)

Wine Spectator Insider, James Laube

Recommended California Cabernet, “Top Wines” list: Beautifully crafted, showing a subtle mix of dried herbs, baking spices and floral scents, with a tight core of currant and blackberry flavors. 96 points (November 15, 2012)

International Wine Cellar, Steve Tanzer

Full ruby red. Cassis, dark chocolate and violet on the lively nose. Seamless and lush in the style of the year, showing the roundness and finesse of the best Spottswoode vintages. Finishes with tooth coating sweet tannins and a complete absence of rough edges. This doesn’t show the tannic mass of the more backward and powerful 2008 but it’s suaver and has plenty of structure for a graceful evolution in bottle. 94 (May 2012) www.wineaccess.com/tanzer

Decanter Magazine

Sumptuous, stylish oaky, blackcurrant fruit on the nose with coffee bean and nutmeg. Excellent balance and great lift. Zesty, pure, long and spicy, with no rough edges but plenty of poise and complexity on the finish. Has great ageing potential. Drink 2014–2030. 90–94 points (February 2013)

Vinography, Alder Yarrow

Tasting Notes: Inky garnet in the glass, this wine smells of black cherry, tobacco and a hint of green herbs. In the mouth the wine is broad and expansive with mouth-coating tannins that are velvety and smooth. Rich cherry and cedar flavors mix with cocoa powder and a hint of licorice. Gorgeous acidity is welded to a cool dark earth quality that lingers through the extremely long finish. Just a touch more elegant than the 2008, with slightly better acidity, and a whisker more poise and balance. Exceptional. 14.5% alcohol. Score: around 9.5. (February 2012) Read the complete article.

Robb Report Holiday Host’s Guide

Anyone who has forgotten what classic-style Napa Cabernet can be should sample this balanced and beautifully black composition of restrained ripeness and complex shading of tar, licorice, and patchouli. (December 2012)