Tyler Florence 2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Cruising the Mediterranean and sipping on Napa Cab….LOL.

One evening on the cruise ship during dinner, I was looking through the wine list and found Tyler Florence Napa Cabernet. I am not a big Cab drinker but, of course, we had to order it. What else would we have with our steak…LOL

A very funny story behind this bottle of wine. The Sommelier came to the table with the bottle. As she was pouring me a taste she began to explain how she didn’t know what the vintage this was since it wasn’t on the bottle. I looked at her with a little concern on my face. “How can that be..” I said. As I tasted it to make sure it was a good bottle, I looked at her as if to say go ahead and pour for the rest of us. She poured for the other four and left the bottle. I picked it up and began to ready the front. Tyler Florence Blend #5 Cabernet Sauvignon 09 Napa Valley rich with black current, cherry, vanilla. Hmmm…Cabernet Sauvignon 09. I looked at it again – Cabernet Sauvignon 09. I passed the bottle around and everyone said “Cabernet Sauvignon 09”

I waited a while before I called the Sommelier back to the table. I motioned her to lean down so I could whisper in her ear. I said to her – “I believe the bottle says it’s an 09 vintage.” She picked it up and looked closely as I pointed it out. She was a little embarrassed but was very gracious about it and thanked me for pointing it out to her.

This wine went great with the filet mignon. The nose was dark cherry and cassis with a hint of vanilla. On the palate I found very dark cherry, toasted oak and vanilla, nice tannin with balanced acidity. Definitely this wine is meant to drink with food. A pretty straight forward Cabernet.