Tasting Notes: Word of the Week “Depth”

Depth: This is a term we often come across in tasting notes (which is a good thing because these wines have a lot to offer). Depth is a general term to describe the complexity and concentration of flavors in a wine, as in a wine with excellent or uncommon depth. It also refers to a quality wine with subtle layers of flavor that go “deep.”

Our pick for a wine with depth:

2009 Stormy Weather Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 

Wine Spectrum Rated 96: Stormy Weather is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon made from low yield hillside fruit from Sugarloaf Mountain and Howell Mountain. Fermentation was done partially in stainless steel and partially in French oak puncheons. Aged 2 years in 100% new French oak. Bottle aged 2+ years. This wine is small production and of uncompromising quality.

Bursting from the glass are aromas of crisp, bright red fruits and baking spices, with hints of cocoa dust and brambly earth. The palate shows juicy, jammy raspberry, cassis, and blackberry fruits, with well integrated nuances of French oak and tannins. There is great depth and structure in this wine, and the element of freshness is exceptional. Slightly leaner and more elegant than the 2008 vintage, the newly released 2009 Stormy Weather Cabernet Sauvignon is ready to drink now, but can be cellared for several years.

Antonio Galloni: Freshly cut flowers, spices, raspberry jam and mocha are some of the many nuances that emerge from the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2009 has plenty of fruit and depth, but not quite the stunning, drop-dead gorgeousness of the 2008. Nevertheless, it is intriguing and beautiful.