2009 Capture Alliance Pine Mountain
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Tasting notes
(from grapes picked into November, according to winemaker Denis Malbec): Good dark red. Aromas of plum, cherry, redcurrant, menthol and licorice, plus a whiff of cabernet franc mintiness. Juicy, dry and intense, with a slightly high-toned character to the redcurrant and chocolate flavors. Quite dry in an Old World way, with moderate alcohol of 13.6%.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2009 Red Wine Alliance shows good energy and focus, but not quite enough depth of fruit to match its structural components. Sweet red berries, flowers, licorice and French oak flow through to the taut, wiry finish. With a little more richness and mid-palate juiciness this could be a significantly better wine. The 2009 is 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc.
The 2009 Red Wine Alliance shows good energy and focus, but not quite enough depth of fruit to match its structural components. Sweet red berries, flowers, licorice and French oak flow through to the taut, wiry finish. With a little more richness and mid-palate juiciness, this could be a significantly better wine. The 2009 is 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. Quite frankly, I expected more from Capture considering the involvement of well-known consulting oenologists Denis and May-Britt Malbec. For now Capture remains a work in progress. I remain confident that quality will improve over time. For now, the pricing on these wines remains out of touch with reality. Tel. (707) 395-0457