2009 Checkerboard Vineyards Napa Valley (750ml)

"93 out of 100 - (mostly cabernet sauvignon, with some cabernet franc, merlot and petit verdot; from a Diamond Mountain property planted in 2003): Bright ruby. Pure, expressive, attractively high-toned aromas of cassis, licorice, graphite, mocha and chocolate, with complicating notes of loam and tobacco. At once sappy and seamless, with a saline complexity and a floral nuance to the black cherry and licorice flavors. The big, broad tannins are firm but sweet. I tasted this sexy wine literally hours after it was bottled. - Stephen Tanzer, vinous.com