by Daniel Rogov » Thu Jul 14, 2011 1:31 pm
Two wines involved here, indeed both fine but perhaps not fully ready until quite recent months. My latest tasting notes follow.
Best
Rogov
Hagafen, Cabernet Franc, Prix Reserve, Napa Valley, 2007: Oak-aged for 19 months in French and American barriques and blended with 4% Merlot. Full-bodied, dark royal purple in color, with silky-smooth tannins and sweet-and-spicy cedarwood all in fine balance with acid-ity and a generous array of red plums, black and red cherries and to-bacco. From mid-palate on a tantalizing note of basil. Powerful but elegant and with a finish that goes on and on. Drink now-2019. Score 92.
Hagafen, Cabernet Franc, Napa Valley, 2007: Dark garnet with violet reflections, blended with 4% Merlot and showing medium- to full-bodied with generous but not at all imposing oak and tannins now integrating nicely. On the nose and palate black cherries, cassis and citrus peel, and, on the long finish, notes of espresso coffee and lico-rice. Drink now–2016. Score 91.