2009 Inglenook, CASK, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, USA

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Cask shows a little more finesse than the 2010, with better balance between the fruit and tannin. Sweet red berries, mocha, flowers and mint are some of the many notes that emerge as this nuanced, silky Cabernet opens up over time. There is still plenty of 2009 structure, but it is nicely balanced. The 2009 Cask needs to be cellared or decanted for a few hours in order for all of the elements to come together. This is a lovely showing. The 2009 is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot. Proprietor Francis Ford Coppola continues to move forward with his project to restore Inglenook, one of Napa Valley’s historic estates, to its previous glory. Coppola has certainly been willing to put everything on the line, bringing in viticulturist Stephane Derenoncourt in 2008 and winemaker Philippe Bascaules, from Chateau Margaux, in 2011. Naturally, it is too early to see the results of these two very high-profile hires, but count me among those who are highly interested to see what develops here over the next few years. There are now essentially two Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines. The Cask is made from vineyards on the front portion of the property bordering Highway 29, while Rubicon is made from vineyards located at the back of the estate. Inglenook will no longer bottle other single-variety wines. antonio_galloni - Wine Advocate #204 Dec 2012