TN: 2009 Oakville Terraces Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Grown

WINE TALK
1

All you anti-too-ripe guys and girls pay attention, this is for you.

  • 2009 Oakville Terraces Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Grown - USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville (2/22/2014)
    When you approach a wine with a leary eye, you can get some interesting results. I came at this thinking I was going to find a wall of green. I didn’t. I did find a beautiful wine made in a very Bordeaux style that should nearly astound Bordeaux drinkers. This is a very elegant and distinctive wine on the lighter refreshing style. Nose has some red cherries and a slight note of bell pepper, but it ends there. Palate shows some pretty raspberry and cherries. I love the note of black olive on this. There is some forest floor, pine-needle and sassafras. Balance is spot-on. Tannic structure is behind the fresh fruits and acidity perfect in-line. Finish is long and consistent. This is a wonderful deal at $40. Glad I have more, wish I had much more. (93 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

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Yeah, this wasn’t bad. I’d give it a solid 90.

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Have you had the '10? That was another Last Bottle pick up.

4

While complex and interesting, too much olive and bell pepper for me. Donating the rest to charity auction.

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David DeSante made this wine, the first vintage, 2007 debuted at Oakville Growers Tasting in 2010 (93 points). The owners, Gary and Jackie Raugh lost interest in the valley life and returned to San Francisco a couple years ago. I understand the new owners will relaunch the brand with a new winemaker.

6

I have some '10’s. They are…OK. Lots of green veggies in the mix.

7

I tasted the same and was hoping it was just the bottle. Looks like these aren’t going to be my cup of tea.

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Through the years I have figured out how to discern different types of green notes in my Cabs. Some are very distracting and some add character. This was the latter for me.