Taplin Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Terra 9

Quite sensational. Haven't always been a fan of Cab Franc but this wine may have converted me.

I agree with many of the other notes on this. Notes are ~ 33 hrs after pulling the cork, though from stems that are less than ideal at the restaurant or our hotel. Dark wine has a firm grip on the stems. Sweet black fruit, allspice and a hint of asphalt on the nose. Nicely balanced across the palate with a solid dose of enjoyable sweet tannins. This is a well-integrated wine given the time provided, that’s drinking VERY well …

This was an interesting wine as it was underwhelming and I thought that it was going to be really good, because of the vineyard (Lewelling Vineyard - one of my favorites) and the winemaker, Julien Fayard. I think that I have now tried every winery that produces fruit from Lewelling, or least that publicizes it. I have 3 favorites and this was not one of them.

A sample right out of the bottle shows the necessity of double decanting suggested by others. After an hour there’s tobacco, crushed rock and thyme on the nose. This is a really interesting and fun wine to dissect and follow. First hit with a satiny blanket that coates the front to mid palate, The next wave is red fruit, much lighter in weight than I’d expect from the initial mouth feel. Then the tannins arrive, adding another layer to a …

Two hour double decant. Nearly opaque lavender magenta color. Blackberry, raspberry, blueberry scone, and charcoal. Smooth, dry, plush palate, with satiny acidity. Firm tannins on the longish finish.

Two hour decant. Opaque magenta color. Blackberry, stewed plum, cinnamon, flourless chocolate cake, prailine, and very subtle mint. Smooth, dry palate. Firm tannins on the longish finish. This was my first time having more than a winery taste. Great QPR for a Fayard CS. Same winemaker as Purlieu, but much lower price.

Trying to be patient with this wine because I believe most 2019 Napa cabs will benefit from a couple more years, however, I’m thinking about buying more to lay down but wanted to get an idea where it’s at first. Dark ruby fruit - currants, dark cherry, and blackberry. Smooth mid-palate with solid depth/concentration - medium plus body. Nice rich flavors of cassis, some spice/licorice, cocoa, and a little graphite component. Fairly long finish but just a touch of tartness …

Coravined into glass, where it sat for 45 minutes before drinking. Deep dark vibrant magenta color. Toffee cream, black cherry, blackberry, licorice, lavender, herbs de provence, and subtle cocoa. Smooth, dry palate. Firm, full tannins on the longish finish. This is youthful, but already impressive, especially for it’s price point. Julien Fayard is the winemaker.