2009 Bryant Family Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Previously $550)

SKU #1088063 96 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon bursts from the glass with rich, dark red fruit, smoke, licorice and incense. The aromas and flavors are a touch ripe, exotic and totally seductive. Polished, silky tannins frame the fruit beautifully through to the finish, where floral notes add the lift and brightness. The 2009 isn’t a huge wine, but it is immensely appealing. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. Don Bryant's hillside vineyard occupies a gorgeous position above Lake Hennessey. The wines capture the very best qualities of what makes Napa Valley so compelling. Although they are quite showy when young, the wines also age exceptionally well. The 2009s are strikingly beautiful. They aren't huge wines, but rather Cabernets that impress for their superb balance. (12/ 2011)

95 points Wine Spectator

A real beauty, exhibiting riveting aromatics that touch a range of dark berry, green olive and herb flavors, with cedar, mocha and espresso notes. Yet for all the size and density of this Cabernet, the tannins are fine and silky. Best from 2014 through 2030. (10/ 2012)

94 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

(bottled in June of 2011): Dark ruby-red. High-pitched, slightly exotic aromas of brambly berries, minerals and jasmine tea. Sweet, dense and suave on entry, then extremely primary in the middle, with firm acidity giving shape to the wine's generous, seamless texture. Very aromatic but very young. One senses plenty of extraction here but the texture is quite smooth and the tannins polished. Finishes with lovely aromatic persistence. (5/ 2012)