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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.

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.

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

92 Points! The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Vineyard Georges III (F Block) is all about pure power and muscle. A blast of dark fruit hits the palate as this immediate, juicy wine shows off its open, accessible personality. - Antonio Galloni, robertparker.com

90 Points! An exotic, voluptuous wine, the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard wraps around the palate with serious depth. The 2009 is big, full-bodied and super-intense. It doesn’t have the aromatic high register of the 2010, but instead has more depth and immediacy. Waves of fruit build to a huge, enveloping finish. - Antonio Galloni, robertparker.com

92 Points! Cassis, juniper berry, licorice, walnut oil, and a Tempranillo-like ashen smokiness scent and inform the bittersweet, polished palate of Baron’s 2009 Camaspelo (named for a mid 19th Century Cayuse chief), whose as usual dominant Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with 18% Merlot and sourced from the En Cerise and Cailloux vineyards. Bitter hints of huckleberry as well as suggestions of crushed stone and pencil lead add to the complexity of a protracted finish. “Red Mountain gives you, to me, the Mike Tyson of Cabernet Sauvignon,” says Baron (as usual!) wryly and provocatively. By contrast, he claims to be searching for something rich yet understated, and notes that “after about five or six years we decided to use less oak for ours.” That said, there is a certain sense of opacity and stasis here as opposed to the levity and vibrancy of the very best wines in this same collection. Baron says this bottling routinely picks up an alluring floral nuance with time in bottle. I’d certainly consider giving it at least 6-8 weeks to demonstrate such a trend, and even if it doesn’t, it’s still very impressive stuff. - David Schildknecht, robertparker.com