Deep garnet in color, the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Rockfall opens slowly to reveal notions of baked plums, warm blackcurrants and blackberry preserves with touches of Chinese five spice, potpourri, cigar box and tree bark plus a waft of aniseed. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a beautiful velvety texture and plenty of freshness supporting the generous black fruit preserves, finishing long and perfumed. Still has loads of life! 505 cases were made.

Fine in acidity and elegantly dry, this is a glorious Cabernet, marked with intensely ripe flavors of blackberry and black currant. Delicious and ripe, it’s sturdy in tannins. Really needs some time to come around. Best from 2015–2021 or so. — (7/1/2012) —93