Behrens & Hitchcock The Change Up (Napa Valley) 2009

This red wine is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Petit Verdot, 20% Merlot, and 10% Syrah. At age 4 it is an incredibly deep purple--almost black--and has thrown almost no sediment. After double decanting 45 minutes before serving it, the bouquet was enormous. Blackberries, black cherries, anise, herbs, and something floral that I can't pin down. The palate was dominated by cassis and mocha java. The firm tannins suggest it will age well (maybe 10 years?), but the forward fruit is hard to resist now. Fortunately this was just the first of a half case I had laid down, so I'll be able to follow it (and report on it) for quite a while. Grade: A-