2009 Anderson's Conn Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve is rich, sumptuous and totally gorgeous. Plums, black currants, blackberries, menthol, licorice and sweet herbs jump from the glass as this intense, full-bodied wine shows off its considerable personality. Layers of fruit flow effortlessly as the 2009 continues to open up over time. This is a gorgeous 2009. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029. I was quite taken with these new and upcoming releases from Todd Anderson and his team headed by Assistant Winemaker Robert Hunt. A number of these wines showed quite a bit better than they did last year. The Cabernet Sauvignon-based Eloge and the Cabernets Sauvignons are the highlights among the reds. Sadly, long-time winemaker Mac Sawyer passed away earlier this year, something that was quite a shock, as he seemed fine just the last time I saw him just a few months prior. There is one change to the range in that the wine previously known as the Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon is now called Signature. Either way, the 2009 and 2010 are both superb. Tel. (707) 963-8600

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve is quite a bit juicier than the 2008. Layers of dark red fruit, flowers, licorice and oak are some of the notes that flow from the glass. The percentage of new oak (60%) is up a little over previous years, but the wine won't be released until next year, and there is more than enough fruit to think the 2009 will shape up beautifully with more time in bottle.