Reviews & Ratings

2009 D R Stephens Cabernet Sauvignon "Walther River Block"

Winery: D R Stephens

Vintage: 2009

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Walther River Block"

Wine Category: Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Napa Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $125

Cases produced: 230

KWG Score: 91 (based on 4 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (91)

Review date: April 30, 2013

Wine Review: This opaque and very dark ruby colored Napa Cabernet opens with a mild red currant and cranberry bouquet. On the palate, this wine is full bodied, slightly acidic and fruit forward. The flavor profile is a ripe black currant and blackberry blend with integrated old oak. I also detected notes of black pepper, plum and spice. The finish is dry and its moderate tannins linger nicely after the wine is gone. This wine would pair well with a NY strip steak. Enjoy – Ken

Winemaker Notes: This gravelly site on the eastern bench of Rutherford always yields a classic Napa Cabernet, but it was especially warm in the 2009 growing season, and is therefore riper than many other wines. This is a great thing in a cool year, and the wine delivers ripe Napa fruit with aplomb. Aromatically full of deep, rich, dark fruit and dark chocolate notes, and it is similarly dense in the mouth, with intense flavors enrobed in sweet tannins. The finish is huge, with great depth of dark fruits and exotic spice flavors. As always, this wine should age well for a long time.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell D R Stephens 2009 Walther River Block Cabernet.