Nose
has rich, ripe cherry, cassis and blackberry
fruit aromas.
Palate
Soft tannins and sweet oak combine with a gentle hint of pepper and spice
to yield a full-bodied wine with excellent balance and a long lingering finish. The
different Cabernet clones give the wine a multi-layered dimension to the palate. The
Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard on the Conn Creek alluvial fan adjacent to Caymus in
Rutherford delivers classic mid-valley fruit and supple tannins and “Rutherford Dust”
earth flavors. The Petit Verdot adds depth to the color and a tannic richness, while the
Merlot and Malbec bring softness, acidity and fruit.
Growing Conditions
The 2009 harvest was a bit on the late side, which, considering the dry spring, was a good development. It was an
easy summer with no shriveled fruit leading to beautifully aromatic fermentations. Our rainfall was slightly above
two-thirds of normal for the third year in a row; however, the timing of the precipitation was on the vine’s side.
Together with the lack of frost and the mild, relatively cool growing season, Mother Nature managed to provide it
all, giving the vines and grapes the best scenario possible. The start to the vintage was also much less eventful for
growers who were able to sleep nights not worrying about the threat of frost—or the lack of water to combat it if it
came. Late spring rains delayed irrigation needs and the warm spell in June helped curtail excessive canopy
development. While nearly 14 days of 100°F plus temperatures mark a typical growing season, 2009 counted
perhaps only four or five overall, again helping to reduce demand for water and allowing the fruit to develop full
flavors without fear of raisining or sunburn.
Aging
25 months in 90% French, 10% American Oak, 43% new
Appearance
deep ruby in color
