2009 Alpha Omega Napa Chardonnay

The 2009 Alpha Omega Chardonnay Napa Valley is a triumph.  The exceptional conditions for growing Chardonnay that existed in 2009 are brought forth with perfect sugar to acid ratios resulting in a wonderfully balanced and elegant Chardonnay.  Plenty of tropical fruit, vanilla, toasted oak and cedar notes on the nose with a palate of fresh citrus, marzipan and honeysuckle with just a hint of buttery oak.

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The Thursday Tasting: Duckhorn, Goldeneye and Migration, Part 6: 2008 Duckhorn “The Discussion” Cabernet Sauvignon

73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot and the balance split between Petite Verdot and Cab Franc, the 2008 “The Discussion” is a remarkable wine.  Dark and inky in the glass with aromas of ripe fruit and oak.  The mouthfeel is silky with well structured tannins.  Generous flavors of cocoa, espresso and dark fruit abound and the finish goes on and on.  For my money this is the pick of the litter and I will definitely be adding a case to my cellar to enjoy over the next 10-15 years.  Classic 95+ points.  -Jeff

The Thursday Tasting: Duckhorn, Goldeneye and Migration, Part 5: 2009 Duckhorn Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Always a classic, the 2009 Duckhorn Napa Cabernet doesn’t disappoint with crowd pleasing aromas of chocolate and ripe fruit and a palate of vanilla, cardamom, dark chocolate and currants all enveloped in dusty tannins.  Plenty of weight and structure, this wine has the legs to go the distance and will mature around 2016 in my estimate.  94+ points.  -Jeff

B Cellars ‘Blend 25′ Cabernet Blend 2007 – 94+ Points

This lush blend offers aromatics of blackberry, sweet tobacco and hints of complex minerals and spices. The palate is laden with flavors of blackcurrants, dried cherries, and exotic spice box. Sweetening the deal is an infusion of luscious Syrah that dials it up ten notches. This wine is full bodied and complex with plenty of backbone to cellar well over the next 3 – 5 years.

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Produced by B Cellars.

Paloma Merlot 2009 – 96+ Points

I’ve been fortunate to sample every vintage of Paloma for the past decade and it always thrills but this 2009 is my highest rating ever. Complex aromas of black berry fruits, black stone fruits, semi-sweet chocolate, tobacco, spice and floral notes with a mineral overtone. On the palate the wine has a big silky mouth feel, well balanced, with flavors of berries, fruit, cocoa, cassis, and spice, and a long spicy finish that is tightly wound now with ultra-plush tannins. Enjoy now after decanting (pre-2013) or anytime until 2017, peaking in late 2015 in my estimate.

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Produced by Paloma.