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ANTONIO GALLONI: "(all of this fruit was in before the heavy mid-October rainfall, according to Ann Colgin; this was the first vintage with include the new 1.3 hectares of vines planted in 2007, including bits of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot): Deep, saturated ruby. The vibrant, highly aromatic nose offers notes of plum, hard candy and incense. Superripe and voluminous but not a bit heavy or cloying in spite of the compelling, almost chocolatey sweetness of its primary sweet berry fruit. The wine´s floral perfume lingers long on the suavely tannic, firmly mineral back end. "Our earliest-drinking 2009," noted Allison Tauziet."
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WINESPECTATOR: "Firm, dense and enormously complex, this just keeps on gaining, with a tight core of currant, fresh earth, dried berry, sage and cedar flavors. Long, graceful and persistent on the finish, ending with silky tannins. Best from 2014 through 2028. 250 cases made."
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WINEADVOCATE: "Production was tiny in 2009. From a 2.5-acre site, the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Tychson Hill Vineyard offers lots of black currant, black cherry, plum, licorice and toasty oak characteristics along with beautiful purity and balance. The wine hits the palate with surprising suppleness for a 2009, medium to full-bodied richness, and a classic Napa Cabernet Sauvignon personality. It can be drunk now or cellared for 20-25 years." - Robert M. Parker, Jr.
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JAMES SUCKLING: "This pops out of the glass with ripe fruit and spice, violets and mint. Full body, with round and velvety tannins and a lot of currant and berry character. Hints of minerals and spices. Toasty oak. Coffee. Juicy and intense. Savory. Drink or hold."