Cornerstone Cellars, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, 2009

Tasting: Napa & Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Sumptuous blackberry nose, a touch porty but still very persuasive. Very rich, full-bodied, voluptuous, swaggering, quite powerful, but high alcohol wrecks the finish and robs what would otherwise be a fine wine of its elegance. Quite long, with a raisiny finish.

Tasting: Napa & Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Great intensity of black fruits. Shows good complexity with notes of coffee, cigar box and tobacco. The alcohol is a little bit too high unfortunately.

Tasting: Napa & Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

An almost Bovril, meaty element to the nose. Blood, coffee. Thick and chewy. Licorice root. Lots going on but needs time.