Stonyridge Vineyard Larose 2009

The 2009 Larose is a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Malbec, 15% Petit Verdot, 10% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. It has a very Bordeaux, Left Bank style nose with very good definition: blackberry, bilberry, a touch of black olive and tea leaf. The palate is medium-bodied with firm but fine tannins and great clarity, though in its nascent stage it comes across very masculine and obdurate. The finish is beautifully delineated and the assertive grip suggests that the '09 Larose will be one destined for the cellar. Drink 2012-2020. Score - (92-94). (Neal Martin, erobertparker.com, Oct. 2010)