The 2009 Proprietary Red Paradise Hills Vineyard is the most harmonious and integrated of the 2009s I tasted. Plums, black currants, espresso, mocha and smoke all jump from the glass in this large- scaled, powerful wine. Seemingly endless layers of fruit build to the huge, explosive finish. This is a fairly extroverted vintage that will be fun to drink with minimum cellaring. In 2009 the blend is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and drops of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029.

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Rich and unctuous, with layers of ripe currant, blackberry, espresso and cedar flavors. Offers a mix of power and precision, unfolding to dried herb, cedar and melted black licorice. Not shy about tannins, but the ripe fruit flavors push through nicely.

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