“Mercury Head” is 95% Cabernet and 5% Merlot from the best lots from the Morisoli and Taplin Vineyards. Low yields and highly concentrated fruit characterized 2009, in which small clusters of berries acheived perfect phenolic ripeness due to the long growing season, while cooperative weather preserved naturally bright acidity. Aged for eighteen months in 30% new French oak, this Cab is rich and lush, with ripe cassis and blackberry aromas and flavors against a backdrop of creamy vanilla, toasty caramel and baking spices. The oak is well-integrated however and the tannins ripe and long. There’s a lot of fruit packed in here, with much pleasure to offer even at this young stage. Enjoy now or hold up to ten years in the cellar.
