The aromas offer intense layers of dark briar fruit complemented by creamy mocha, clove, vanilla and a hint of Chinese allspice. The flavors fill the palate with layers of Bing cherry, plum, cranberry, cola and cedar, as well as more woodsy elements. The oak is elegantly integrated, and creamy tannins frame the wine’s rich, fruit finish.
Though the 2008 growing season presented certain challenges—from early frosts to drought conditions—a meticulous approach to viticulture and sorting yielded small crops with good concentration, highlighting soft, appealing tannins for our red varietals and bright acidity for our white grapes. A long, moderately cool summer led to a harvest that commenced in mid-August and concluded in early November. This relatively relaxed pace allowed us to pick in numerous passes to ensure quality, often focusing on individual rows or a single side of the vines.
Harvest Dates: August 29 — November 7, 2008
Average Sugar at Harvest: 27.4° Brix
10 Napa Valley appellations
Varietal Content
80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot,
5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
Cooperage
100% French oak château-style barrels (60 gallons)
Barrel Aging: 16 Months
Age of Barrels: 40% New, 60% Second Vintage
Production/Technical Data
Alcohol: 14.5%
Titratable Acidity: 0.62 g/100ml
pH: 3.52
Bottled: May 2010
Released: September 2011
93 Points
One of the most succulent and drinkable Napa Cabernets of the ’08 vintage. More>
92 Points - 2 Puffs
Bigger, richer and altogether more complex, this one is optimally ripened, beautifully oaked and simply brimming with continuous blackcurrant fruit. More>