Wines

94+ Points! Moving over to Castiglione Falletto, the 2009 Barolo Villero delivers more oak spice and thicker overall density. I loved the aromas of pressed flower and rose, followed by crushed mineral and cola that lift so effortlessly from the glass. This is an ethereal and elegant expression that will undergo a long evolution in the bottle. This and the Barolo Brunate are my favorite Oddero wines in 2009. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2028. - Monica Larner, robertparker.com

The 2009 vintage marks a moment of refinement and confidence in Scott Palazzo’s Cabernet Franc program, building on several successful releases rooted in his Right Bank inspired vision. Sourced from Carneros, the wine reflects a growing mastery of balance, structure, and aromatic expression, emphasizing elegance over excess. As with the earlier vintages, the magnum format was produced in very limited quantities and held back exclusively for Palazzo’s private members. This release represents the first time these mature library magnums have been offered to the public, making it a rare opportunity to acquire a fully developed Napa Cabernet Franc in its most expressive and age-worthy form.

Tasting Note:
The 2009 opens with a layered and inviting bouquet of violets, dried herbs, and ripe red fruits, accented by subtle notes of cedar and spice. On the palate, the wine is composed and seamless, showing red cherry, raspberry, and savory undertones carried by lively acidity and finely integrated tannins. The texture is supple yet structured, with a sense of freshness that belies its age. The finish is long and graceful, revealing depth, polish, and quiet power that are further amplified by the magnum format.

The 2009 vintage brought warmth and generosity to Napa Valley, and this Proprietary Red reflects a more expressive, fruit-forward profile while remaining grounded in structure and balance. By this point, Scott Palazzo’s blending vision was firmly established, producing wines that combine richness with restraint. The magnum format was held back exclusively for members and has never before been offered to the public, underscoring the rarity of this release.

Tasting Note:
The nose opens with ripe black cherry, blackberry, and plum, complemented by notes of baking spice, cedar, and cocoa. On the palate, the wine is smooth and generous, showing layered dark fruit supported by softened tannins and balanced acidity. Savory undertones add dimension, and the finish is long, warm, and cohesive, with the magnum format lending added poise and longevity.

96 Points! Bright and aromatic with flowers, dark berries and hints of rose stems. Full body, with very fine tannins that are polished and silky. The finish last for minutes. A etheral and beautiful wine. - JamesSuckling.com

94 Points! A silky, textured wine, the 2009 Barolo Monvigliero stands out for its refined fruit and gorgeous balance. Nothing is out of place in this polished, elegant Barolo. Sweet red berries, flowers and spicebox are some of the many notes that are layered together in the glass. Any sensation of tannin is nearly non-existent because the fruit is so vivid and present. Over time, the Monvigliero continues to flesh out in all directions, showing why this site is so privileged. Scavino's Monvilgiero is easily one of the most finessed wines of the vintage. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

96 Points! The 2009 Les Pavots, a 3,440-case blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, comes from Knights Valley. It exhibits a distinctive truffle, chocolate, blackberry and cassis-scented bouquet, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and fabulous concentration, purity and density. This magnificent effort’s open-knit style was surprising as most Northern California 2009s made from Bordeaux varietals are somewhat austere and closed at present. This wine should drink well for another two decades or more. - Robert Parker, robertparker.com

93 Points! The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Roberto Corona Vineyard, from a site on the Oakville bench, is the richest of these 2009 Cabernets from Rivers-Marie. It bursts from the glass with jammy, opulent fruit and a big, full-bodied personality. Blue and black fruit, mint, licorice and sweet spices wrap around the finish. The 100% new oak comes through here. I am not sure this wine needs all the oak and makeup. There is plenty of pedigree already. - Antonio Galloni, robertparker.com

100 Points! The finest wine ever made by proprietors Daniel and Florence Cathiard, the 2009 Smith-Haut-Lafitte exhibits an opaque blue/purple color in addition to a glorious nose of acacia flowers, licorice, charcoal, blueberries, black raspberries, lead pencil shavings and incense. This massive, extraordinarily rich, unctuously textured wine may be the most concentrated effort produced to date, although the 2000, 2005 and 2010 are nearly as prodigious. A gorgeous expression of Pessac-Leognan with sweet tannin, emerging charm and delicacy, and considerable power, depth, richness and authority, it should age effortlessly for 30-40+ years. Bravo! - Robert M. Parker, Jr. , robertparker.com, December 2011  

92 Points! Classy red here with currants, blueberries and mahogany aromas. Full body, chewy tannins and a long finish. Intense and powerful. - JamesSuckling.com