2009 Gallica Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
Bright, full ruby. Very ripe scents of blackberry, boysenberry, cassis, violet and cured tobacco, plus a note of licorice pastille that emerges with air. Juicy and sweet on entry, then densely packed and suave in the middle, showing excellent definition and energy to its intense flavors of red and black fruits, flowers and minerals. A hint of black pepper adds lift. Still youthfully restrained and tight, and not at all outsized, this Cabernet finishes with a firm spine of refined tannins and sneaky rising length. No corners on this beauty! My sample gained in sweetness over 48 hours without losing its freshness. This utterly seamless wine is unwinding nicely and is almost ready to drink. (ST)
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc. 18 months in 81% new French oak. A late vintage, from spring to harvest. Still gorgeously fruity and succulent on the nose and palate, with svelte texture and great intensity on the finish – but there doesn’t seem to be much development of flavour in terms of complexity. Perhaps still just too young? Certainly has incredible persistence. (RH)
First vintage in 2007. 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, plus Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Rather more brambly than many Napa Cabernets. Shares the same juiciness and buffed structure though. It's so styled, I can’t help thinking of cosmetic surgery. (RH)
Good full ruby. Subdued aromas of cassis, violet and licorice, plus a whiff of sweet butter. Then dense, juicy and vibrant in the mouth, with lovely definition and floral lift to the youthfully medicinal flavors of black cherry, tar and dark chocolate. Finishes with a serious spine of dusty tannins and lingering notes of truffle and spices. Lay this one down.