2009 Patel Winery Cabernet Sauvignon

A dark, brooding beauty, Patel’s 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is strikingly beautiful. Endless nuances of dark fruit, exotic spices, cinnamon, mocha and espresso take shape as the 2009 opens up in the glass. This dense, powerful Cabernet Sauvignon is loaded with pure class and personality. The 2009 has developed far better than I envisioned when I first tasted it last year. This is a dazzling showing. In this vintage, the blend is 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec and 11% Merlot. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2029. Tel. (408) 623-1126

(includes some malbec, cab franc and petit verdot; more of a Left Bank style, according to winemaker Kian Tavakoli): Bright full red. At once riper and more subdued on the nose than the Red Wine, with blackberry and dark chocolate flavors accented by pepper. The palate offers good texture and energy, with harmonious acidity framing the broad, ripe flavors of dark berries and chocolate. Finishes with dusty tannins and good but not outstanding length. This project, owned by Raj Patel, who is in the finance field, launched its first commercial release with the 2007 vintage.

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon shows terrific depth and finesse from start to finish. Sweet black cherries, licorice and spices are woven together gracefully in this soft, textured wine. There is more than enough grip and sheer intensity to make me think the wine will drink well for a number of years.