Jeb Dunnuck

Seemingly softer and more approachable than the ’08 was at this stage, the 2009 Rasa Vineyards Creative Impulse DuBrul Vineyard is a blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon and 29% Merlot that was aged for 28 months in 60% new French oak. Beautifully perfumed, with copious currant, plum, lead pencil, wild herb, raw beef, and dried spice qualities on the nose, the wine is fleshy and round on the palate, showing a voluptuous texture, no hard edges, and polished tannin that emerges on the finish.

(06/2012)

Wine Spectator

Lithe, supple and distinctive for its mint and sage notes, underscoring the polished boysenberry, currant and spice flavors that linger enticingly. Has presence and deftness. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. (Web Only - 2013)

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Cassis and sexy oak on the nose. Lush and sweet if a bit youthfully aggressive, with a creamy quality to the bright flavors of raspberry, cherry and black olive. This very concentrated blend finishes with serious tannins and lingering red fruits. (ST)

(11/2012)

Wine Enthusiast

The fruit is magnificent, smoothly presented in a flow of cherry, plum and prune flavors. It seems soaked in chocolate, with a Bourbon-barrel highlight. The tannins are fine-grained and contribute to the overall length. (PG)

(11/2012)

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

With the same source and virtually same upbringing (+2 months) and encepagement (+2% more Cabernet) as its 2008 counterpart, the Rasa 2009 Creative Impulse is scented with mint, basil, kirsch, and creme de cassis. These combine on a palate whose sheer ripeness and confectionary overtones from both fruit and caramelized wood are happily augmented by a savory, saline suggestion of soy. Powerfully and sweetly lingering, and with its immense tannins largely sublimated, this will be interesting to follow for at least a half-dozen years, though it will probably take nearly that long to adequately hone one’s intuitions as to its long-term potential, which the wine’s authors estimate at 15-20 years. (DS)

(03/2013)