2009 Morlet, Passionnement Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, Bottle (750ml)

VM94+ Bright ruby-red. Aromas of cassis, black cherry, violet and licorice, with an emerging note of black pepper; lovely perfume. Plush, fine-grained and sweet, with flavors of black fruits, violet and graphite minerality dominating. Not quite as pliant or harmonious as the Coeur de Vallée but very long and firm on the rising aftertaste, with firm but noble tannins ensuring a continued slow evolution in bottle. This very concentrated, densely packed wine possesses very good energy but still conveys an element of medicinal reserve and needs patience. No, this boasts terrific energy and precision.