2009 Clos Saron Syrah "Heart of Stone" - USA, California, Sierra Foothills (3/10/2016)
Stored at 53 degrees after being shipped in winter - this was a complete brett bomb that smelled like the Augean stables on a hot day. Completely undrinkable. Too bad, as my prior bottles of this wine (from the same shipment) have been fantastic.
2009 Heitz Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon Trailside Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford (3/10/2016)
Opened to stand in for my first choice that was flawed, so this did not get any time to breathe or a decant. It did not matter, as it was singing from the first sip. Deep red and black fruit, a healthy dose of oak and good acid and tannin balance were the dominant impressions. The oak was not overbearing, though it would be good to give it several years (ok, 10+) in the cellar to integrate fully into the wine. There's a hint of minerality/earth on the finish, and time will bring that forward as well. This is obviously just a baby, but there is lots of classic Napa Cabernet promise in the bottle. Very satisfying.
