Tenor Columbia Valley Cabernet 2009 Rated 90+WA

Wine Advocate Review
Rated 90+
Sourced from a biodynamically farmed portion of Hedges Estate on Red Mountain plus Lawrence and Stillwater Creek on the Royal Slope, Tenor's 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted with the ambitious intention of "develop(ing) nicely over the next 16 to 18 years" and one thing that can be said for sure is it's possessed of abundant tannins finer in grain than the corresponding Malbec. At the same time, Morell sees it as the most generous of his reds in its youth, and that was indeed (happily) the case on this occasion. Scents of cassis, dark cherry, bittersweet floral perfume, and a hint of band-aid as well as a stony undertone on the wine's dense palate all put me a bit in mind of Bordeaux. Notes of toast and vanilla from all-new barrel (where this spent 21 months, the longest Morell says he will permit) largely back-off after the initial whiff to let considerable floral, mineral and fruit nuances come through in a persistent if still firmly tannic finish. This benefitted from exposure to air and I regret that it was logistically impossible for me to follow it for a genuinely extended period.

Wine Tasting Notes
Black with hints of Garnet at the rim. Currants, plums, vanilla and fruit cake fill the nose with licorice and bittersweet chocolate in the background. A big rich nose showing more volume and density than detail. Swirling brings the same tones with more sweetness, pushing the threshold of ripeness without the overly sweet front end you can get out of California. Volume, texture and balance are the hallmark of this wine. Giving polish and power at the same time, with a creamy sensation at the finish.