Friday, February 15, 2013

Steltzner Vineyards 2009 Napa Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District


Dick Steltzner started his winery in Napa Valley about the same time as Robert Mondavi. He is one of the pioneer winemakers of this famous California wine Mecca.

A few months ago we enjoyed a delicious 2003 Steltzner and so we were anxious to uncork a piece of Napa history. The 2009 Cab was courtesy of tasting team member Cabinator. (This is what happens when our wives go out of town!)

We decanted this while we slipped out to Fat Fish Blue for dinner. The color of this wine is a spectacular black cherry color with ruby highlights.

The wine started out as a bit of a puzzle, with the aroma being a bit closed. I’ve noticed recently that with some wines it takes a sip or two for my palate to get dialed in. That was the case with the ‘09 Steltzner.

As the wine opened, it was a different spectrum than a “pop ‘n pour” Napa Cab, which can be fruity. This skewed toward the plum instead of bright cherry with tobacco and dark mocha swirls.

This is a wine that is distinctive and delicious now, but certainly could age for another five years or more. We’re glad we took the Leap!

Rating: 4 of 5  Value: 3 of 5
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