2009 Moone-Tsai Cabernet Sauvignon Cor Leonis

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Cor Leonis emerges from the glass with hints of mocha, espresso, plums and sweet spices. There is a level of generosity and sheer richness that is compelling. I very much like the sense of roundness and approachability, both of which make the 2009 absolutely delicious today. The 2009 is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Spanos, Caldwell and To-Kalon. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. I only tasted a few wines from Moone-Tsai this year, but they were all striking and full of personality. Tel. (707) 265-6782

(100% cabernet sauvignon): Good bright ruby-red. Black raspberry, plum, flowers and menthol on the nose, along with some sexy nutty oak. Fine-grained, pliant and energetic, with distinctly red flavors of strawberry and cherry complicated by a subtle rocky quality. Very elegant, smooth wine with substantial dusty tannins. Tastes fresher than its 3.85 pH would suggest. This blend is made from fruit from the eastern hillside of St. Helena, the south part of Stags Leap and Pritchard Hill. I marginally prefer the 2008 version for its concentration and grip, but this will offer great early appeal.

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Cor Leonis blossoms onto the palate with layers of textured red fruit, flowers and spices. This is a much more floral, perfumed style than the 2008 and 2010, which is at least in part attributable to a totally different set of vineyard sources. The 2009 was made from vineyards on Pritchard Hill, Howell Mountain and Soda Canyon.