Juslyn Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
-
Parker
Robert -
Enthusiast
Wine
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, is one of my favorite wines from this area of Napa Valley. It offers lots of red, blue and black fruits intermixed with a floral component as well as sweet tannin. Combining the gorgeous ripeness and abundant fruit of Napa Cabernet with a Bordeaux-like tannic structure, this young 2009 is still an infant, but it can be enjoyed now, although another 4-6 years of bottle age will improve it even more. It is capable of lasting two more decades.
-
Wine Enthusiast
There's something rustic about this Cab. Partly it's the tannins, which are fierce. Partly it's the alcohol, which sticks out and gives the wine a burn. Yet it's extraordinarily ripe and opulent in black currants, with the liqueur headiness of crème de cassis. The hot alcohol suggests it will not age.
Other Vintages
2006-
Parker
Robert
In 1997, their dream became a reality when Perry and Carolyn sold their computer business and founded Juslyn Vineyards on a site overlooking the renowned Spring Mountain Winery. (The name, Juslyn, is derived from the names, Justine-the Butlers' daughter-and Carolyn.) In 1998, they made their first vintage of Juslyn from grapes purchased from Andy Beckstoffer as they waited patiently for their own vines to mature. Their patience paid in 2000, when they were able to harvest their estate for the first time to produce 80 cases of Spring Mountain cabernet sauvignon.
Since then, there has been no turning back. Perry and Carolyn have committed to making the best wine possible in the heart of Napa Valley's acclaimed Spring Mountain District. Having received 90+points from accredited publications like Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (December 2003) and Wine and Spirits Magazine (August 2004), the Butler's are proving that they are on the path of success and truly living the American dream.
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
Above the town of St. Helena on the eastern slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains sits the Spring Mountain District.
A dynamic region, its vineyards, cut by numerous springs and streams, vary in elevation, slope and aspect. Soils differ throughout with over 20 distinct types inside of the 8,600 acres that define the appellation. Within that area, only about 1,000 are planted to vineyards. Predominantly farmed by small, independent producers, the region currently has just over 30 wineries.
During the growing season, late afternoon Pacific Ocean breezes reach the Spring Mountain vineyards, which sit at between 400 and 1,200 feet. Daytime temperatures during mid summer and early fall remain slightly cooler than those of the valley floor.
Spring Mountain soils—volcanic matter and sedimentary rock—create intense but balanced reds with lush and delicate tannins. The area excels with Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot and in some cooler spots, Chardonnay.