2009 Winston Hill Proprietary Red Frank Family Vineyards
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Tasting notes
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Winston Hill is blended of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet colored, it is a little mute and broody to begin, opening to reveal blackcurrant cordial, blackberry pie, plum pudding and tilled soil scents with hints of cigar box, bay leaves and new leather. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has beautifully expressive earth and mineral-inspired flavors with a firm line of ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing long.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Saturated bright ruby. Very ripe aromas of crushed blackberry, tropical bitter chocolate and tobacco. Densely packed but fairly light on its feet thanks to nicely integrated acidity. The dark fruit and tobacco flavors convey a juicy quality as well as hints of superripe fruit. Showing less easy sweetness but more energy than the Rutherford Reserve, this is a more sophisticated wine. This rather youthful wine still has some tannins to be absorbed but it's essentially a pliant, suave blend that can be enjoyed now.
The estate's flagship 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Winston Hill is incredibly shut down today. It doesn't have the overt juiciness of the other Cabernets, but instead relies on a more subtle expression of fruit supported by serious structure. Cassis, blueberry jam cloves, graphite and violets are some of the nuances that inform the pointed, delineated finish. It will be interesting to see where the 2009 goes over the coming years. The blend is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot and 3%Petit Verdot.
The estate’s flagship 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Winston Hill is incredibly shut down today. It doesn’t have the overt juiciness of the other Cabernets, but instead relies on a more subtle expression of fruit supported by serious structure. Cassis, blueberry jam cloves, graphite and violets are some of the nuances that inform the pointed, delineated finish. It will be interesting to see where the 2009 goes over the coming years. The blend is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot and 3%Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2027. Tel. (707) 942-2309