2009 Vintage Reviews
2009 Vintage Reviews
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2009 Stags Leap DistrictCabernet Sauvignon93 PointsThe 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon opens with enticing scents of raspberry jam, sweet herbs and spices. There is a centeredness and a poise to the 2009 that give the wine its sense of harmony and total balance. Sweet, floral notes reappear on the engaging finish. As good as this is today, it will only be better in another 2-3 years. This is another fabulous effort from Chimney Rock. The blend is 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.Shop |
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2009 Elevage92 PointsThe 2009 Red Blend Elevage is one of the most beautiful wines I have tasted from Chimney Rock in some time. Silky tannins support an expressive melange of dark, juicy raspberries, flowers, spices and mint in this sexy, totally harmonious wine. Simply put, all the elements are in the right place. The 2009 is gorgeous today and it should continue to drink nicely for at least another decade. The Elevage is 44% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot and 6% Cabernet Franc. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.Shop |
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2009 Elevage95 PointsA classic Napa Valley Bordeaux blend, dry, smooth, complex and elegant. Based on Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s an instant pleas¬er, from the dryness and mellow texture to the delicious blackberry, cassis, plum, dark chocolate and smoky oak flavors. It will provide wonderful drinking over many years. —S.H.Shop |
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2009 Tomahawk VineyardCabernet Sauvignon93 PointsThe 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Tomahawk Vineyard is impressive in the way it is at once deep yet also weightless. Freshly cut flowers, spices, plums and black cherries literally waft from the glass in a Cabernet that remains light on its feet and totally graceful. The aromas and flavors are still on the primary side, so further cellaring is advisable. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029.SOLD OUT |
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2009 Tomahawk VineyardCabernet Sauvignon96 PointsThis is so charming now, it’s hard to keep from drinking it. But it also has the dynamic tension to age well. Chimney Rock enters a whole new ballgame with its 2009 releases, which can stand against almost any¬thing in Napa Valley. With a fleshy mouthfeel, softly sculpted tannins and complex flavors of blackberry, cassis, dark chocolate and plum sauce, this wine is decadently delicious. Drink now–2020. —S.H.SOLD OUT |
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2009 Ganymede VineyardCabernet Sauvignon94 PointsChimney Rock’s 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Ganymede Vineyard is huge. Black cherries, plums, spices, herbs and pencil shavings all explode from the glass in this large-scaled, voluptuous wine. Though a bit wild at the outset, the Ganymede finds a more finessed, refined level of expression with time in the glass. There is plenty of personality and sheer character in this powerful, deep Cabernet Sauvignon. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029.Not Yet Released |
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2009 Ganymede VineyardCabernet Sauvignon96 PointsDelicious, stunning and dramatic, this varietal Cabernet shows exquisite balance of its many parts. The tannins are fierce but refined; the dryness complements flavors of ripe blackberry, black currant and dark chocolate; its smoky oak is subtle; a refreshing acidity provides life and zest. The overall impression is of an extraordinarily fine wine, drinkable now but capable of aging over many years. —S.H.Not Yet Released |
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2009 Alpine VineyardCabernet Sauvignon92 PointsA gorgeous 100% Cabernet, rich and mellow, with classic blackberry and cassis flavors. It’s one of the winery’s softer ’09 Cabs, which may limit its ageability. Although it’s pretty tannic, you can decant it and drink it now with fancy food, or cellar it for up to six years. —S.H.Not Yet Released |
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2009 Clone 7 VineyardCabernet Sauvignon90 PointsA very good wine, soft and mellow, with a dry finish despite plenty of sweetly ripe fruit. With raspberry, cherry, red licorice and toasty oak flavors, it’s delicious. Drink soon alongside a steak, possibly topped with a plum-and-ber¬ry salsa. —S.H.SOLD OUT |
