2009 Maze Cabernet Sauvignon Napa (Red Wines / Cabernet Sauvignon)

2009 Maze Cabernet Sauvignon Napa

91pts(IWC) (100% cabernet sauvignon, from Oakville and Coombsville fruit; the first vintage for this wine): Good full ruby. Open-knit, enticing aroma of cassis, black cherry, licorice, graphite and sexy oak. Broad, lush and spicy, with dominant flavors of dark fruits and bitter chocolate. Finishes with smooth tannins. A very attractive wine that's not yet especially complex. Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar May/June 2012

Rich purple color, nose of black cherries, chocolate, espresso and lavender. Mouthfeel is rich without being heavy, supple tannins provide nice structure. This Cabernet has flavors of plums, boysenberries, blackberries, dark chocolate and fresh earth. This is an expressive, very well-balanced, youthful wine that will age very well in the cellar. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Kenefick Ranch, Oakville Ranch, Stagecoach, Bennett & Carp Vineyards. 240 cases produced.

Shawn Johnson worked for one year under Mike Smith and Thomas Brown at Nicholson Ranch, but has worked for four years as the assistant winemaker for Kobalt and Merus (until Mark Herrold sold it) and Herold Wines, so he has a been in a great position to learn the craft. The Cab will make anyone who likes the Mark Herold-style of black color, large framed, cool climate fruit and big concentration very happy indeed. In fact, Mark Herrold consults on the project. approx 200 cases made