Robert Craig Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Affinity 2009

Tight, with a gritty edge to the tannins. Offers refined flavors of intense dark berry, spice, herb and cedar. Best from 2013 through 2023.

The wineryrsquo;s Affinity bottling has had mixed results over the years, but this is one of their best, right up there with the 2007. Itrsquo;s a beautiful wine, absolutely dry, tannic, smooth and complex in black currant flavor. A bright streak of acidity provides wonderful balance, and should help the wine to age through at least 2019.

Grown in the foothills of Mount George, this is mostly cabernet sauvignon (82 percent) with petit verdot, merlot and small amounts of franc and malbec. Itandrsquo;s a broad, richly oaked wine, packed with cherry-scented fruit holding robust tannins. Unyielding for now, this needs two or three years for the tannins to mellow.

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Affinity bursts from the glass with an exciting array of dark red berries, flowers, licorice and sweet spices. Floral notes reappear on the finish, adding brightness and lift. This gorgeous, mid-weight Cabernet Sauvignon should continue to drink beautifully for at least a handful of years. In 2009 the blend is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot, 2% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc. Anticipated maturity: 2012andndash;2017.

The wineryandrsquo;s Affinity bottling has had mixed results over the years, but this is one of their best, right up there with the 2007. Itandrsquo;s a beautiful wine, absolutely dry, tannic, smooth and complex in black currant flavor. A bright streak of acidity provides wonderful balance, and should help the wine to age through at least 2019.

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Affinity bursts from the glass with an exciting array of dark red berries, flowers, licorice and sweet spices. Floral notes reappear on the finish, adding brightness and lift. This gorgeous, mid-weight Cabernet Sauvignon should continue to drink beautifully for at least a handful of years. In 2009 the blend is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot, 2% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc. Anticipated maturity: 2012ndash;2017.

Grown in the foothills of Mount George, this is mostly cabernet sauvignon (82 percent) with petit verdot, merlot and small amounts of franc and malbec. Itrsquo;s a broad, richly oaked wine, packed with cherry-scented fruit holding robust tannins. Unyielding for now, this needs two or three years for the tannins to mellow.