The Mascot 2009

The oak influence is perfectly integrated here, giving the Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend a velvety texture without overpowering the fruit. Opened this with friends last weekend and it unfolded beautifully over two hours.

Opened it with dinner last night and the structure is just stunning—that Cabernet backbone with the Merlot and Cab Franc weaving in gives it a silky, layered finish you don’t forget. Oakville royalty, indeed.

The blend is mostly Cab Sauv, but that touch of Merlot and Cab Franc rounds out the edges beautifully, making it dangerously easy to sip. I was expecting something massive and tannic, yet it's surprisingly polished and layered, even at this age.