Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Krupp Brothers – Cabernet Sauvignon “Veraison” 2009
Stagecoach Vineyard, Napa Valley – USA 🇺🇸

Overview:
From the famed Stagecoach Vineyard, this 2009 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon shows why Krupp Brothers has earned a reputation for power and finesse. At nearly 15 years, it’s still on the ascent, with structure and depth that promise more evolution ahead.

Aromas & Flavors:
Layers of dark cassis, blackberry compote, and black cherry mingle with graphite, cedar, and espresso. Hints of dried violets and cocoa powder emerge with air, weaving a bouquet that is both bold and nuanced.

Mouthfeel:
Full-bodied and dense, yet polished. Firm tannins and vibrant acidity still hold the core tightly, making it feel youthful despite its age. The finish is long, savory, and mineral-driven, echoing dark fruit and spice.

Food Pairings:
A classic match for dry-aged ribeye, braised short ribs, or wild mushroom risotto.

Verdict:
An outstanding wine, multi-layered, complex, and still climbing toward its peak. A bottle to savor now with decanting, but also a treasure for collectors willing to wait.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight:
This vintage remains one of the standout expressions of Stagecoach Vineyard fruit, alongside 2010, it is a benchmark release. Collectors take note: the 2009 is still gaining complexity and shows remarkable staying power. — a day ago

Mary Ellen Bonisteel

9.5

Definitely will buy this again! — 2 months ago

"Odedi"

9.2

It is time for my #FridayCabernetfix.

Dark ruby in color with a short reddish rim.

Light nose and medium in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate and complex, with a very soft mouthfeel.

Showing currants, light wood, black plums, cooked cherries, spices, licorice, chocolates, tobacco leaf, herbs and peppercorn.

Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy cherries.

This delicious 13 year old Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaux is starting to drink nicely now. Elegant and rich. Fruit forward and nicely balanced. Complex and interesting.

Showing more earth notes than the 2016 vintage, and a little reserved right now.

This 3rd Growth Cabernet is a good sipping wine, and will also pair nicely with BBQ Meats.

A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot. Aged in (60% new) French oak barrels for 14 months.

13.5% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$100. — 4 months ago

John Bratincevic

9.5

Nose: old wood, tobacco, charcoal.

TASTE: awesome structure, cassis, pomegranate — old enough to have some of that “parchment” quality I associate with age. 95! — 5 days ago

Adrienne Rapacki

9.1

Rating for the rest at Linebaugh’s — a month ago

with Kim, Phil and 1 other

Neil Valenzuela

9.3

Deep purple color. Aromas of red and black fruit, floral notes, leather and dusty earth. Plum on the palate, blackberry and herbal notes. Ridiculously good for $65. — 2 months ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.3

Dark ruby color with purple highlights. Aromas of black and blue fruit, violets, roasted meat, spices, wet stones and tobacco. Flavors of blackberry, blueberry, black raspberry, roasted herbs, black pepper and black olives. Long and savory finish. Complex and very “Northern Rhône-like.” Full bodied, lively and just the right amount of tannin. Excellent! — 5 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Brio de Cantenac Brown – 2020
Margaux, Bordeaux – France 🇫🇷

Overview
Brio is the second wine of Château Cantenac Brown, offering a more accessible take on Margaux. This 2020 vintage is composed of 62% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 9% Cabernet Franc, aged in French oak (25% new) to balance fruit, structure, and approachability. 
Aromas & Flavors
Juicy red fruits—raspberry, red currant—merge with cedar, baking spice, and subtle floral lift. Earthy and graphite tones bring depth.

Mouthfeel
Medium to full body, with soft but persistent tannins. The wine opens smoothly and finishes long with fruit and spice echoing.

Food Pairings
Roast lamb, duck breast, mushroom risotto, or aged cheeses. Also pairs beautifully with charcuterie.

Verdict
A concentrated, value-driven Margaux that shows the pedigree of Cantenac Brown. The 2020 Brio balances power and elegance — drink now or cellar for 8–12 years. 🍷 cheers!

Did You Know? 📌
Second wines (like Brio) are often sourced from younger vines or lots not selected for the Grand Vin, yet in 2020 Cantenac Brown treated it with care: the blend leans more Merlot than the Grand Vin to give earlier approachability. — 10 days ago

Chris Albin

Winemaker, Azari Vineyards Winemaker, Corskcrew Wines

9.0

Classic Zin. Fruity and clean. — 2 months ago

JKT

9.0

New one for me, good combination of earthiness, roundness and bite. — 4 months ago