Bright ruby-red. Aromas of cherry, raspberry and minerals lifted by flowers and an exotic white fruit note. Less opulent today than the Ark but with terrific energy enlivening the tight flavors of cherry, flowers and spices. A real red hole of a wine, extremely dense but youthfully imploded today. Best on the slowly building, extremely long finish, which features a firm spine of tannins and acids to support 15 to 20 years of evolution in bottle.

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Pure sensuality in the glass, the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Kayli Morgan Vineyard is going to be nearly impossible to resist in its youth. At the same time, the Kayli Morgan has a track record of developing beautifully in bottle, and I imagine that is exactly what will happen here. Cedar, spice box, cassis and plums burst from the glass in this impressive, layered wine. A hint of mocha develops later, but it is pretty clear the 2009 is playing its cards close to the vest. There is enough inner tension to make me think the 2009 has a very bright future. Jayson Woodbridge describes 2009 as a year with a tiny crop and equally small berries. It is also the year Woodbridge brought in a helicopter to dry out the fruit after the mid-October typhoon dropped a huge amount of rain on Napa Valley. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029.

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Pure and understated, with a charming mix of elegant ripe black cherry and plum, subtle fresh earth, tobacco and cedar, ending with fleshy, fine-grained tannins. Less opulent than prior vintages. 600 cases made.

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