The 2009 Ovid is a gorgeous, radiant wine endowed with expressive character. Here the higher percentage of Cabernet Franc (30%) in the final blend comes through in the warm, spicy notes of the bouquet. The 2009 boasts striking inner perfume, great intensity and fabulous overall balance in a dazzling, pure expression of fruit. Layers of fruit build effortlessly to the finish. The 2009 started to shut down in the glass, a great sign for the future. There is no shortage of structure here. The 2009 Ovid is 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029. (Not yet released)I was very much looking forward to my first visit at Ovid. Suffice it to say the wines did not disappoint. I tasted the 2008, 2009 and 2010, all of which were simply brilliant. Ovid is one of the most exciting young wineries in Napa Valley. It is tempting to think about Ovid in the context of other wineries on Pritchard Hill, as the estate lies just up the road from Colgin. Some of the aerial photos I saw were quite revealing as they show the way Ovid sits on a huge ridge directly above Dalla Valle and other wineries on the eastern side of Oakville, where it looks like the ground literally fell off a cliff. Ovid boasts a superstar team of viticulturist David Abreu, winemaker Andy Erickson and consultant Michel Rolland, but it is a mistake to think that money alone can buy success. It can’t. Ovid is very clearly a special place with special people on a mission to make great wines. These new and upcoming releases are full of potential.Tel. (707) 963-3850; www.ovidvineyards.com