The Season
Undoubtedly the superhero of 2009 was Mother Nature. Few frosty spring mornings and late spring rains, along with a warm June, helped regulate vine growth and vigor.We only encountered five days over 100° F during the growing season, thus avoiding raisins and sunburn.Yields were slightly lower than normal and smaller berries added color intensity and concentration.

The Process
A blend of all five Bordeaux varietals, selected from 27 separate vineyard lots.Vineyard lots were 
vinified and aged separately. Only the best barrels from each lot were selected for the final blend.  A light egg white fining preceded bottling to mollify the structure and enhance the graceful power 
of the finished blend.  Aged in barrel for 21 months in 40% new French oak.

The Experience
Rich aromas of black fruits reminiscent of Loganberry pie nestle among toasted spices, fennel, and beeswax.  Juicy dark berries drive the flavors with added notes of cream, vanilla, and spice. Fine grained tannins form a luxurious structure that supports the lingering mouth-filling finish.

The Facts
Varietal Composition: 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Malbec, 15% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petite Verdot
Appellation: Napa, California
Barrel Aging: 21 months in French oak (40% new)
Alcohol: 14.5%
pH: 3.92
Acidity: 0.52 g/L

Conn Creek is a boutique winery on the Silverado Trail in the Rutherford District.  For nearly 40 years, the winery has focused on Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux styled wines.  In keeping with its heritage, Conn Creek secures grapes from nearly all of Napa Valley’s renowned sub-appellations, sourcing from vineyards – including Bill and Kathy’s Collins Holystone Vineyard in St. Helena – that are proven to grow exceptional grapes that produce wines of character and expression. It’s an approach that captures the “Best of Napa Valley” and provides winemaker Mike McGrath with an unparalled palette from which to blend each wine and vintage. Through these diverse sites and regions, we explore the differences between Napa Valley’s sub-appellations as well as the ways in which they complement one another.

Wine Enthusiast - 88 pts
"Sweet and savory, this has flavors of red cherry tart, red currant, licorice, cola, smoky sandalwood and baking spice. It’s a lovely wine for drinking now. Made from the classic Bordeaux varieties, this shows real sophistication and elegance." - Steve Meimoff

Aging Potential:	Ready to Drink
Alcohol By Volume:	14.5%
Appellation:	Napa, California
Barrel Type:	French Oak
Body:	Full
Color:	Burgundy
Flavor Pairing:	Herb Roast, Grill
Food Pairing:	Lamb, Beef
On the Nose:	Loganberry, Fennel, Beeswax
On the Palate:	Vanilla, Tannins, Spicy, Currant, Boysenberry, Blackberry, Black Cherry
Serving Recommendation:	Room Temperature, Let it Breathe
Texture:	Silky, Rich
Varietal:	Petit Verdot, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc