2009 Hexameter Proprietary Red

The Cabernet Franc-dominated 2009 Hexameter boasts stunning textural depth and richness, but amazingly, no sense of heaviness at all. Mocha, espresso, violets, sage, orange rind and plums are woven together in this utterly impeccable, refined wine. With time in the glass, the more floral and savory herb-infused notes become more prominent. Initially created as a way to use the Cabernet Franc left over from the Ovid blend, it is conceivable to see the Hexameter becoming one of the great wines in Napa Valley, and I don’t use those words lightly. Texturally dazzling, there is little doubt the 2009 is world-class all the way. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029. Ovid keeps raising the bar with this drop-dead gorgeous set of new releases. Owners Dana Johnson and Mark Nelson have spared no expense in their pursuit to make world-class wines. These new releases are a testament to their unwavering commitment to quality. This year I also tasted two of the ‘Experiment’ series wines, which bear creative names inspired by Dana Johnson’s background in Library Sciences. The talented Austin Peterson makes the wines, Andy Erickson consults and David Abreu manages the vineyards, but what really counts is what is in the bottle. The results so far from this young property have been nothing less than stellar. Tel. (707) 963-3850; www.ovidvineyards.com