Hendry, Napa Valley 2019

Appearance

Color : Deep garnet-purple with crimson staining tears.
Clarity : Bright
Viscosity : Medium-full

Aroma

Intensity : Intense and complex
Primary aromas : Black currant, blackberry, ripe plum, and hints of cassis.
Secondary aromas : Cedar, tobacco, and graphite.
Tertiary aromas : Leather, earth, and a touch of dried oregano.

Taste

Sweetness : Dry
Acidity : Medium-high
Tannins : Medium-high
Body : Full-bodied
Flavors : Black currant, blackberry, ripe plum, cassis, cedar, tobacco, graphite, leather, earth, and
dried oregano.
Finish : Long and lingering, with a touch of mocha and dark chocolate.

Overall impression

Balanced, complex, and age-worthy
Food pairing : Roasted meats, lamb, grilled steak, braised short ribs, and hearty stews.
Age potential : 10-15 years.

The 2019 Hendry Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, is a classic expression of Napa Valley Cabernet
Sauvignon. It is a robust and full-bodied wine with layers of flavor that unfold on the palate. The wine is sourced from grapes grown in the Hendry Ranch vineyard, which is located in the Rutherford AVA. This AVA is known for its warm climate and well-drained soils, which produce Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that are ripe and intense in flavor, with a firm structure that can age gracefully for many years. The 2019 Hendry Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, is a wine that can be enjoyed or cellared for a few years to allow its complexity to develop further. It would pair beautifully with roasted meats, lamb, grilled steak, braised short ribs, or hearty stews.
I hope you enjoy this tasting note!

Opaque, deep ruby color. Immediate berry fruit on the nose backed with spice, dried herbs, and leather. Full-bodied, with pleasing deep berry roundness and depth in the mid-palate. Fine-grained tannins with a bittersweet chocolate edge and dark, stewed fruit on the finish. New violets, licorice, and more aromas continue to emerge with air, making this a good candidate for further bottle development. Like its immediate predecessors, this wine looks approachable upon release. Try with slow-roasted lamb shanks, braised short ribs, Wagyu sliders (fancy!), salumi and charcuterie, and risotto made with an intensely flavored cheese like Pecorino. Even a simple burger with blue cheese will be elevated in the company of this appealing wine.

Frog’s Leap, Rutherford 2020

Appearance

Color : Deep ruby garnet with crimson staining tears
Clarity : Bright
Viscosity : Medium-full

Aroma

Intensity : Aromatic and complex
Primary aromas : Ripe black currant, blackberry, and plum, with hints of cassis and graphite.
Secondary aromas : Cedar, tobacco, and vanilla.
Tertiary aromas : Leather, earth, and a touch of dried herbs.

Taste

Sweetness : Dry
Acidity : Medium-high
Tannins : Medium-high
Body : Medium-full
Flavors : Ripe black currant, blackberry, and plum, with layers of cassis, cedar, tobacco, vanilla,
leather, earth, and dried herbs.
Finish : Long and lingering, with a touch of dark chocolate and mocha.

Overall impression

Balanced, elegant, and age-worthy
Food pairing : Roasted meats, lamb, grilled steak, braised short ribs, hearty stews, and aged cheeses.
Age potential : 10-15 years.

This 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon from Frog’s Leap is a classic expression of Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, showcasing the region’s warm climate and well-drained soils. The wine is full-bodied and complex, with layers of ripe black fruit, cedar, tobacco, and earth. The well-integrated tannins provide structure and balance, while the acidity keeps the wine fresh and lively. The finish is long and lingering, leaving dark chocolate and mocha notes. This wine is ready to enjoy now but can be cellared for a few years to allow its complexity to develop further. It would pair beautifully with roasted meats, lamb, grilled steak, braised short ribs, hearty stews, or aged cheeses. Aromas of crushed herbs, sliced plums, blackcurrants and violets. Full-bodied with powdery tannins. Bright acidity pairs nicely with the fresh red fruit on the palate. We could use another year to come together—best after 2023.

Shafer TD-9 Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Appearance

Color : Deep garnet-purple
Clarity : Bright
Viscosity : Medium-full

Aroma

Intensity : Aromatic and complex
Primary aromas : Black currant, blackberry, cassis, and hints of graphite.
Secondary aromas : Cedar, tobacco, and mocha.
Tertiary aromas : Leather, earth, and a touch of dried herbs.

Taste

Sweetness : Dry
Acidity : Medium-high
Tannins : Medium-high
Body : Medium-full
Flavors : Black currant, blackberry, cassis, cedar, tobacco, mocha, leather, earth, and dried herbs.
Finish : Long and lingering, with a touch of dark chocolate and espresso.

Overall impression

Balanced, elegant, and age-worthy
Food pairing: Roasted meats, lamb, grilled steak, braised short ribs, hearty stews, and aged cheeses.
Age potential: 10-15 years.

This 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon from Shafer Vineyards is a vibrant expression of some of Napa Valley’s favorite vineyards. TD-9 celebrates John Shafer’s first tractor, which he taught himself to drive in 1973 as part of the winery’s founding. The wine is full-bodied and complex, with layers of ripe black fruit, cedar, tobacco, and earth. The well-integrated tannins provide structure and balance, while the acidity keeps the wine fresh and lively. The finish is long and lingering, leaving dark chocolate and espresso notes. This wine is ready to enjoy now but can be cellared for a few years to allow its complexity to develop further. It would pair beautifully with roasted meats, lamb, grilled steak, braised short ribs, hearty stews, or aged cheeses.

TD-9 fills the glass with irresistible aromas and flavors of fresh black cherries, black currant, red plum, thyme, rose petal, and cocoa in its first vintage as a Cabernet Sauvignon. Lush and mouth-filling, this 2021 offers the complexity and structure that ensures many years of enjoyment ahead.