The 2009 Ilatraia flows from the glass with layers of opulent jammy fruit. It shows excellent concentration and depth, but the French oak is quite prominent at this stage. I have my doubts as to whether bottle age will make a significant difference. Blackberry jam, sweet spices, vanillin, flowers and plums inform the supple, perfumed finish. Ilatraia is 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Petit Verdot and 20% Cabernet Franc that spent 18 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021.
This is a mixed set of releases from Brancaia, mostly owing to the nature of the vintages themselves. The flagship Il Blu in particular seems to have suffered in 2008.
Importer: The Hess Collection, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 255-1144