2009 Lancaster "Nicole's Red" Alexander Valley Bordeaux Blend well-integrated tannins and float onto

well-integrated tannins and float onto a long finish

dark fruit nose of black cherries

000-case cuvee is dominated by its Merlot component (the blend also includes some Cabernet Franc)

it is given a Burgundian-like treatment of pre-fermentation cold maceration

reserved and austere

2009 Lancaster "Nicole's Red" Alexander Valley Bordeaux Blend well-integrated tannins and float ontoThe 2009 Proprietary Red Blend Nicole's is a Cabernet Sauvignon based Bordeaux blend. At once powerful yet refined, the 2009 impresses for its intensity. Firm tannins support layers of expressive dark red fruit. The 2009 comes across as slightly burly and just a bit less polished than the 2010, a typical comparison of these two vintages across many wines. However, the 2009 remains a sexy wine with plenty of near and medium term appeal. Anticipated