Stags’ Leap Winery, The Leap, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, 2009

Tasting: Napa & Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Discreetly toasty blackberry nose. Quite rich, textured, and sleek, with fine-grained tannins that are still quite assertive. Not in harmony yet but the balance seems right. Long, elegant finish.

Tasting: Napa & Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

A ripe style of Cabernet, this shows dry tannin with medium alcohol. The wine does need a lot of time. Hint of bitterness, alcohol too high.

Tasting: Napa & Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Fruit with savoury components. Tightly coiled fruit, muscular and with a sense of vigour and power. Big tannins provide support for charming blackcurrant fruit.