Review: 2009 Robert Craig Affinity Cabernet Sauvignon
I’ve been reviewing Affinity since the 2005 vintage, and it’s fun to look back over my notes to see how this Napa-based wine has evolved.
For starters, it’s now being produced from fruit from the “foothills of Mt. George” south of the Stag’s Leap district, it’s still a Cab-heavy (86%) wine blended with Merlot (5%), Petit Verdot (6%), Cabernet Franc (1%), and Malbec (2%).
A gentle wine, the 2009 Affinity is nowhere near the monster that previous vintages have been, a more nuanced, floral-driven wine that speaks of violets and lighter cherry notes than intense plum and raisin fruit. There’s nice currant and blackberry character in the middle of the wine, but it’s the flowery elements that are predominant this year.
I didn’t have many notes (“lots of promise”) when I tasted this in barrel two years ago, but this is shaping up nicely.
A- / $50 / robertcraigwine.com
2009 Robert Craig Affinity Cabernet Sauvignon
$50
