2009 Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cepages
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Tasting notes
The estate's flagship 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Cinq Cepages is a wine mostly of promise at this stage. Mocha, espresso and savory herbs add nuance and complexity as this dark wine gradually unfurls in the glass. I see terrific depth and richness here, but readers will have to be patient. There is a lot going on here. A second bottle tasted in a complete vertical of Cinq Cepages came across as blend of 2007 and 2008, with a slight nod to the older vintage. The 2009 was impressive in that setting as well.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Good full medium red. Inviting aromas of redcurrant, licorice, herbs, graphite and tobacco leaf, lifted by a peppery nuance. Suave, lively and fine-grained, with attractive inner-mouth perfume to the flavors of redcurrant, licorice, herbs and minerals. Juicy, firmly tannic wine with moderate ripeness but no shortage of energy or personality. Made in a rather subdued, traditional style, this blend should age gracefully.
The estate’s flagship 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Cinq Cepages is a wine mostly of promise at this stage. Mocha, espresso and savory herbs add nuance and complexity as this dark wine gradually unfurls in the glass. I see terrific depth and richness here, but readers will have to be patient. There is a lot going on here. A second bottle tasted in a complete vertical of Cinq Cepages came across as blend of 2007 and 2008, with a slight nod to the older vintage. The 2009 was impressive in that setting as well. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. This range from Chateau St. Jean is packed with values. Many of these wines, especially at the entry-level, are made in large enough production to be relatively easy to find. Achieving high quality at this scale is a rare skill. Longtime winemaker Margo Van Staaveren certainly seems to have the magic touch. Tel. (707) 833-4134