Grgich Hills Estate, Yountville (Napa Valley) Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

 Grgich’s latest release of its Yountville Selection Cabernet, from the 2009 vintage, is one of the most suave and complex Cabernet Sauvignons I’ve tasted this year. This is a wine with impressive presence on the palate without the clunky heft of some California Cabs. It exhibits firm tannins that are beautifully integrated and contribute mightily to the exquisite mouthfeel of this fine Cab. It shows aromas of rich cassis and an array of red and black fruits, with freshness and youthfulness despite a bit of bottle age. In fact, the Grgich Cabernet Sauvignons have been among the most long-lived Cabs in my personal cellar for several decades. This one will likely improve in the cellar for at least another 15 to 20 years.