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Search Flickinger Wine Inventory
Inventory updated: Fri, Jan 30, 2026 04:02 PM cst
Your search criteria:
Regions: USA Red
Vintages: Between 2008 and 2008
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| 21 Grams |
2008 |
Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Abreu |
2008 |
Thorevilos Proprietary Blend  |
$395 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98 (12/2011): As Outstanding as all the Abreu wines are, if I had to choose one that stands apart from the others it would be Thorevilos. The 2008 Thorevilos is the most complete and deeply satisfying of Abreu’s 2008s because the balance of fruit and structure is so impeccable. The 2008 literally explodes onto the palate with masses of dark fruit, tar, licorice and smoke. There is a fleshiness and depth of the fruit here that separates the Thorevilos from the other 2008s. Layers of fruit build towards the massive, masculine finish. In 2008 Thorevilos is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc and 15% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2038.
VM 96-98 (12/2011): As Outstanding as all the Abreu wines are, if I had to choose one that stands apart from the others it would be Thorevilos. The 2008 Thorevilos is the most complete and deeply satisfying of Abreu's 2008s because the balance of fruit and structure is so impeccable. The 2008 literally explodes onto the palate with masses of dark fruit, tar, licorice and smoke. There is a fleshiness and depth of the fruit here that separates the Thorevilos from the other 2008s. Layers of fruit build towards the massive, masculine finish. Antonio Galloni.
WS 94 (6/2013): Ultrarich and gutsy, nuzzling up to syrupy, this is a chewy, extracted style that extends the flavors to kirsch, black licorice, blackberry jam, espresso, hazelnut and toffee. Ends with chewy, grainy tannins that give the flavors traction. Drink now through 2026. 350 cases made. |
|
| Alban Vineyards |
2008 |
Alban Estate Grenache |
$105 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (8/2012): The 2008 Grenache presents an inward yet expressive core of dark red fruit, flowers and Provencal herbs. There is a gorgeous fleshiness in the glass, but the wine needs time to soften and open up. Today, the 2008 shows quite a bit of promise. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020. |
|
|
2008 |
Pandora Proprietary Blend |
$140 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95 (8/2012): Layers of silky, polished fruit flow across the palate in the 2008 Pandora (Grenache). As I noted last year, the 2008 is all about textural finesse and pure beauty. Hints of smoke, anise and crushed rocks frame the long finish. This is yet another marvelous wine from Alban. Pandora is 100% Grenache from the chalky, upper hillsides of Seymour’s. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020.
VM 94 (12/2012): (almost all grenache from "a very specific block," according to Alban; 15.9% alcohol): Opaque ruby. A heady, exotically perfumed bouquet evokes candied red fruits, incense and candied flowers, along with a smoky mineral overtone. Juicy and precise, offering intense raspberry and bitter cherry flavors that gain sweetness and weight with air. Closes with impressive energy and cut, leaving mineral and floral notes behind. This wine was aged in French oak casks, two-thirds of them new, for 38 months.
JD 93-96 (12/2011): Tasted out of barrel and a beautifully structured and endowed wine, the 2008 Alban Vineyards Pandora, almost 100% Grenache that spent 36 months in a combination of new and used barrels, was dense and closed at the time of this tasting, yet begrudgingly yielded ripe dark fruits, charcoal, chalk, pepper, and edgy minerality on the nose. Full bodied, yet with notable freshness and acidity, this beauty should be left alone for 2-3 years after release. |
|
|
2008 |
Reva Alban Estate Syrah |
$115 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 96+ (8/2012): The 2008 Reva (Syrah) is stunningly beautiful. This is a relatively delicate, feminine Reva that impresses for its length, balance and utter purity of fruit. Dark red cherries, flowers, mint and silky, saline notes wrap around the expressive fruit on the long, polished finish. A hint of truffles adds to the wine’s sensual, totally beguiling personality. In 2008, the Reva is drop-dead gorgeous. Readers should note that, in this vintage, there is no Lorraine or Seymour’s, so the 2008 is a “super-Reva!" Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020.
JS 95-96 (5/2012): Love the spice, game and dark berries, yet reserved and austere. Shows form and firmness. Long and beautiful. Should be in market in November 2012.
VM 94 (12/2012): (raised in French oak, 80% of it new, for 44 months; 15.1% alcohol): Glass-staining purple. Sexy smoke- and spice-accented aromas of candied black and blue fruits and potpourri, with a suggestion of black pepper building with air. Lush and expansive on the palate, offering deeply pitched but lively cassis and blueberry flavors and a suave floral pastille nuance. The spicy note comes back strong on the finish, which shows only a hint of tannins.
JD 93-96 (12/2011): The 2008 Alban Vineyards Syrah Reva Alban Estate Vineyard was the only Syrah produced in '08. Showing a lively, more energetic profile than the more heavy weight '06 and '07, it still doesn't lack for structure, depth, or complexity. Showing loads of tapenade, lavender, blood, and black fruits, medium to full-body, and a beautifully focused, pure texture and finish, this elegant Syrah should still benefit from short term cellaring once released. I love the vibrancy here, and it will be interesting to see how this shows from bottle. |
|
| Alpha Omega |
2008 |
Krupp Brothers Vyd. Syrah |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards |
2008 |
Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$79 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 98 (12/2010): One of the few wineries to make a 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve that eclipsed its 2007 counterpart is Anderson’s Conn Valley. A spectacular effort that is as black as a moonless night, this full-bodied wine boasts abundant aromas of creme de cassis, camphor and subtle oak presented in a voluptuously textured, full-bodied style with terrific richness and depth. Great intensity and opulence as well as a layered mouthfeel make for a remarkable wine that should age for 20-30+ years.
VM 90 (12/2011): The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve comes across as a bit chunky and four-squared. Dark berries, worn-in leather, licorice and spices are some of the notes that flow from this medium bodied Cabernet. This is pleasing despite some elements of rusticity. Sweet herbs, licorice and leather linger on the finish. I especially like the way the wine blossoms in the glass. |
|
| Antica Terra |
2008 |
Botanica Pinot Noir |
$150 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 93 (7/2010): Vivid red. Expansive, room-filling bouquet displays red and dark berry preserves, incense and Asian spices, with an intense floral quality and notes of cola and vanilla. Silky in texture and deep in sweet red fruit character, with gentle tannins adding structure but playing second fiddle to the fruit. The spice and floral notes repeat on the juicy finish, which is broad, smooth and impressively persistent. Delicious now but has the depth to repay at least another five years of cellaring. This wine got about two-thirds new oak while the Willamette Valley bottling got about one-third. Both were fermented with about 10% whole clusters. Josh Raynolds.
WA 91 (8/2012): From around 10-12% estate fruit; 40% from Shea Vineyard; and the rest from Cherry Grove, Antica Terra’s 2008 Pinot Noir Botanica mingles toasted almond and pecan with ripe cherry and black raspberry shadowed by their distilled essences but happily free of superficial sweetness. Polished and expansive, this finishes with enough brown spice and fruit pit accents to hold one’s interest, and a persistence of juicy, primary fruit guaranteed to call forth the next sip. It should be worth following for at least the next 6-8 years.
BH 89 (10/2010): A very generously wooded nose requires ample aeration to dissipate the relatively strong reduction. The wood however only seems to become more apparent with air and dominates the fruit. There is good concentration to the textured, round and supple medium-bodied flavors that possess noticeable bitterness on the otherwise reasonably long finish. At present, the '08 Botanica is at a very awkward stage and while there appears to be enough underlying material to assimilate the oak in time, I wouldn't touch a bottle for at least 5 years. My score offers the benefit of the doubt that this will come together. In the meantime, buy the '07. (Drink starting 2015). |
|
| Araujo Estate |
2008 |
Eisele Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (375 ML) |
$150 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97+ (12/2011): The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard is breathtaking. Everything is in the right place in this dazzling, superb Cabernet Sauvignon. Layers of dark fruit, plums, camphor, licorice and espresso emerge from this effortless, gracious wine. The integration of fruit, tannin and French oak (100% new) is simply phenomenal. There is a dark, brooding quality to the 2008 that is immensely appealing. This is a stunning wine from Araujo. The 2008 is 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2028.
WS 97 (11/2011): Dense, rich and enormously concentrated, mixing power with finesse. Pure, ripe, riveting aromas of blackberry, blueberry, currant, sage, cedar, espresso and mocha lead to a full-bodied palate, firming beautifully on the finish, where the flavors glide along and gain traction. Drink now through 2028. 1,392 cases made.
JS 96 (2/2011): This is very aromatic, with mint, bay leaves, laurel, lavender, raspberry, and currants. Fruit at the forefront but restrained. Wonderful fruit with a vanilla bean, floral, and blueberry after taste. This is exciting stuff with loads of energy. A nice combination of the power of 2007 and the complexity of 2006.
VM 94+ (6/2011): (89% cabernet sauvignon, 6.6% cabernet franc and 4.4% petit verdot): Ruby-red. Reticent but pure aromas of black cherry, black tea and flowers. Densely packed and youthfully tight, with juicy, high-pitched flavors of sweet dark fruits, leather and licorice. At once lush and perfumed, showing lovely vibrancy for a wine from this hot site. The long, building finish displays the firm tannic structure for a graceful evolution in bottle. This has turned out very well. |
|
| Arkenstone |
2008 |
Obsidian Proprietary Blend |
$95 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Arrowood Vineyards |
2008 |
Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (5/2012): Deep ruby. Ripe cherry, cassis, tobacco and vanilla on the nose, with a subtle herbal undertone. Fleshy dark fruit flavors are supported by gentle acidity, taking on spiciness with aeration. Finishes sweet and persistent, with the dark berry and tobacco qualities lingering. This nicely balanced cabernet is approachable now. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Beau Vigne |
2008 |
Juliet Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (12/2010): The less expensive 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Juliet (76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc from the parcel they called Juliet’s Bench) shows off winemaker Dave Phinney’s terrific, sexy, opulent, flamboyant style. Personality-wise, it is more like a 2007 than a 2008. Dense purple to the rim, with glorious notes of graphite and black cherry liqueur intermixed with cassis and blackberry, it possesses a subtle smokiness, a voluptuous texture, and a layered finish that should please both your hedonistic and intellectual senses. It will drink well for 15 or more years. |
|
| Bethel Heights |
2008 |
Casteel Reserve Pinot Noir |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Betz Family Winery |
2008 |
Clos de Betz Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
6 |
|
| |
WA 95 (8/2010): The Bordeaux-styled wines begin with the 2008 Clos de Betz, a multi-regional blend from four renowned vineyards, and composed of 66% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 9% Petit Verdot. It was aged for 16 months in 65% new French oak. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it surrenders an expressive nose of pain grille, graphite, Asian spices, a hint of balsamic, black currant, and blackberry. On the palate it admirably combines elegance with power. It has superb concentration, incipient complexity, layers of fruit, and a lengthy finish. Give it 6-8 years of additional cellaring and then drink it through its 25th birthday.
VM 93 (12/2010): Deep, full ruby-red. Dark berries, licorice, bitter chocolate and graphite on the nose and palate. Densely packed but showing superb energy and lift to the flavors of dark berries, cocoa powder and violet. There's nothing rustic about these classy wines. Finishes with terrific clarity and lively minerality.
WS 92 (8/2011): Firm in texture, with a sense of elegance to the berry and plum flavors, accented by licorice and pepper as the finish lingers effortlessly. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Best from 2013 through 2018. 875 cases made. |
|
|
2008 |
La Cote Patriarche Syrah |
$40 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 93+ (11/2010): (from Red Willow Vineyard) Deep, full bright ruby. Very primary aromas of blackberry and cocoa powder. Dense, thick and very intense, with wonderfully pure fruit-driven flavors of blackberry and loganberry. Offers a superb balance of fruit, acids and tannins. Finishes very long and pure, with lovely aromatic lift and nuance. An Outstanding wine in the making. These 2008 syrahs aged in 50% new oak, but Betz noted he's now using a higher percentage of slightly larger 300-liter barrels, and more Burgundy barrels. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 93 (8/2010): The 2008 Syrah La Cote Patriarche was sourced from the Red Willow Vineyard in Yakima Valley, site of the oldest Syrah planting in Washington dating from 1986. It, too, was aged for 12 months in 50% new French oak. Dense purple in color (like the La Serenne), it sports a nose of brooding black fruits, lavender, Asian spices, smoked meat, blue berry, and plum. This leads to a plush, full-figured Syrah with well-concealed tannins, excellent depth of flavor, and a lengthy, fruit-filled finish.
WS 92 (12/2010): Starts off dense and earthy, but gains momentum with each sip. The ripe blackberry and currant fruit comes gurgling up and taking over. This has fine tannins around a juicy balance, lingering impressively. Best from 2012 through 2018. 215 cases made. |
|
|
2008 |
La Cote Rousse Syrah |
$45 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (8/2010): The 2008 Syrah La Cote Rousse was sourced from the Ciel du Cheval and Kiona Vineyards in the Red Mountain AVA and was aged for 12 months in 50% new French oak. A bit lighter in color but with more mineral and earth notes as well as meaty blue and black fruit aromas, on the palate it is more structured (something for which Red Mountain fruit is noted) but the tannins are nicely integrated behind layers of concentrated, spicy fruit. This lengthy offering will benefit from 5-7 years of additional cellaring and should easily see its 20th birthday in fine form. |
|
|
2008 |
La Serenne Syrah |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (8/2010): The 2008 Syrah La Serenne is sourced entirely from the Boushey Vineyard in Yakima Valley. It is aged for 12 months in 50% new French oak. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it delivers a brooding bouquet of smoke, Asian spices, incense, lavender, game, blueberry, and plum. Dense, layered, and powerful, it manages to maintain a sense of elegance and balance. It has enough structure to evolve for several years and should drink well through 2023. |
|
|
2008 |
Pere de Famille Cabernet Sauvignon |
$69 |
6 |
|
| |
WA 96 (8/2010): The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Pere de Famille is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, and 5% Merlot sourced from 3 regions and 4 vineyards. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it gives up an expressive perfume of sandalwood, mineral, truffle, espresso, incense, violets, and blackberry. Suave on the palate with well-integrated fine-grained tannins, this sweetly-fruited, dense, layered offering will benefit from 6-8 years of cellaring and will have a drinking window extending from 2016 to 2038.
VM 94+ (12/2010): Good deep ruby-red. A slight element of reduction quickly dissipated to reveal aromas of cassis, minerals, mocha and licorice. Deep, silky and compellingly sweet, but with brisk acidity that's a bit intrusive today. Best today on the firmly tannic, extremely long aftertaste. This superb cabernet boasts a stunning core of sappy fruit, with a licorice note from a bit of petit verdot that gives it a Pauillac-like character. It would be infanticide to open this anytime soon. The finishing breadth and spreading tannins are spectacular for Washington wine. A retaste of the superlative 2007 Pere de Famille indicated that this wine was beginning to shut down in bottle, but its acid/tannin structure gives it the sheer grip for a long and positive evolution in bottle. It will be fascinating to compare these two vintages side by side in seven or eight years.
WS 92 (7/2011): Supple and inviting, a distinctive style that features a strong mineral note weaving through berry and spice flavors, finishing with polish and savory character. This has personality and grace. Drink now through 2018. 950 cases made. |
|
| Robert Biale Vineyards |
2008 |
Black Chicken Zinfandel |
$45 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (12/2010): Speaking of the 2008 Zinfandel Black Chicken, it has a beautiful nose of sweet, jammy black cherries and raspberries, a dark ruby/purple-tinged color, and an expansive, medium to full-bodied mouthfeel as well as lots of heady glycerin. This full-throttle, lusty, delicious, silky-textured wine cascades over the palate with no hard edges. It should be drunk over the next 3-4 years. |
|
| Black Cordon Vineyard |
2008 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$69 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Bovet (Round Pond) |
2008 |
Rutherford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$80 |
1 |
|
| |
| WS 91 (5/2012): Combines richness with restraint, offering bold, loamy earth, dried berry, licorice and tobacco flavors, tightly wound and firming nicely on the finish, where gravelly tannins take hold. Drink now through 2022. 415 cases made. |
|
| Buccella |
2008 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$149 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 95 (12/2010): The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, which comes from multiple fruit sources in Rutherford, Oakville, Yountville, Coombsville, Oak Knoll and Carneros, was aged in 100% new French oak. A blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it exhibits an opaque purple color, great intensity and a sweet nose of blue and black fruits intermixed with toasty oak, lead pencil shavings and forest floor. Rich, layered and full-bodied with silky tannins, this broad, savory 2008 should drink well for 15 or more years.
WS 94 (10/2011): Remarkable for its complex aromas of roasted coffee, dried herb, dark berry, mocha and sage, yet for all its size this is quite graceful and elegant, even delicate, with a long, tapered finish where the flavors glide along smoothy. Drink now through 2021. 1,185 cases made.
VM 93 (5/2011): (15.1% alcohol; includes 2% each cabernet franc and merlot and 1% petit verdot): Dark ruby. Fascinating nose melds dark berries, licorice pastille, violet, coriander, cumin and mint. Fat and sweet for the year, with palate-saturating flavors of crushed black fruits and minerals. The broad, dusty tannins arrive late and build, but there's more than enough mid-palate sweetness to support them. This is riper and deeper in the bottle than a barrel sample I tried a year ago. Rebekah Wineburg makes this wine, with Celia Welch serving in a consulting role. |
|
|
2008 |
Merlot |
$79 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Caldwell |
2008 |
Clone 181 Merlot |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2008 |
Clone 400 Caldwell Vyd. Petit Verdot |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2008 |
Clone 595 Malbec |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Chad |
2008 |
North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| Chappellet |
2008 |
Signature Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Corliss |
2008 |
Columbia Valley Syrah |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 92+ (11/2011): Deep red-ruby. Very primary aromas of dark berries, cherry, licorice, violet, white pepper, jasmine and musky minerality. Lush and seamless on entry, then juicy, spicy and intense in the middle, in fact even a bit imploded today. This densely packed, very young syrah, bottled in June, really saturates the palate with flavor on the pure, long finish. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 89 (12/2012): Aged in majority new 500 liter casks and otherwise reflecting the same source and approach noted in my review of its 2007 counterpart, the Corliss 2008 Syrah leads with penetrating, pleasant high-tones of mint, sage, rosemary, lavender, violet, blueberry distillate and creme de cassis. On a dense and fine-grained but manifestly tannic palate, there is a bit of bifurcation between tart and bitter skin and pit of berries on the one hand and macaroon-like manifestation of caramel on the other. As this took on air, more of the herbal components signaled in the nose, as well as a hint of tar, joined the sweet confitured berry and caramelized notes, but a slightly drying spot remained in an otherwise overtly sweet finish. I don’t feel competent to speculate on this wine’s bottle evolution except to say that I certainly don’t expect it to fatigue within the next half dozen years. |
|
|
2008 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 95 (6/2013): More perfumed and lively aromatically, yet more firm and backwards on the palate, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon is a knockout 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that spent 30 months in 70% new French oak. Classically styled, with black currants, toasty oak, violets, licorice and background meatiness, it is a full-bodied, structured and age-worthy 2008 that will evolve gracefully for 15+ years. It improves over the evening but should ideally be given another handful of years in the cellar. Drink now-2028+.
VM 94+ (11/2011): Bright red-ruby. Aromas of blueberry, cocoa powder and licorice; one can smell the sexy Taransaud barrels here. Silky on entry, then sweet and superconcentrated in the middle, spreading out to saturate the entire palate with dark berry and coffee flavors. A wine of extraordinary energy and clarity. Most impressive today on the echoing, juicy finish, where the ripe tannins are already in perfect harmony with the wine's fruit. As with the Corliss Red Wine, I would not be at all surprised if this wine merited an even higher score by the time it's released in the fall of 2013. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2008 |
Estate Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
6 |
|
| |
WA 94+ (6/2013): Just about as good, the Bordeaux blend 2008 Corliss (formerly reviewed as Red Wine) is comprised of 34% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot and 5% Malbec that spent 30 months in 65% new French oak. Almost a meal on its own, it has full, rich aromas and flavors of currants, smoked herbs, milk chocolate and potpourri to go with a full-bodied, beautifully textured and balanced palate. Youthfully structured and tannic, it needs another 1-2 years of bottle age and will keep for 10-15 years.
VM 93+ (11/2011): Good red-ruby. Sexy aromas of plum, pie cherry, Asian spices, minerals and cocoa powder, with a floral quality from the cabernet franc component. At once suave and penetrating, with terrific energy and definition to the flavors of sweet cherry, minerals and spices. This classy, vibrant wine finishes with sweet, broad tannins and terrific lift and length. It will no doubt be even more complex and harmonious by the time it's released in late 2013. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Dancing Hares |
2008 |
Proprietary Blend |
$99 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2008 |
Mad Hatter Proprietary Blend |
$35 |
2 |
|
| |
| WS 88 (5/2011): Rustic and rough-hewn, with chunky, cedary, drying oak touches and dried berry, spice, road tar and mineral. Full-bodied and direct at the expense of finesse and refinement. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2019. 1,500 cases made. |
|
| Dominus |
2008 |
Proprietary Blend |
$279 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 99 (12/2010): Made in a more masculine style, the 2008 Dominus has all of that along with bigger body and more structure, fat, density and texture. Both are brilliant wines and they represent the finest back-to-back vintages for Dominus since 2001 and 2002 or 1990 and 1991. Both the 2007 and 2008 Dominus should drink well for 25-30 years.
WS 94 (11/2011): Very Bordeaux-like in its makeup and structure, this firm wine offers good acidity and tight tannins, delivering complex flavors of loamy earth, vivid dried currant and berry, with anise and mineral notes sprinkled in. My favorite young Dominus of late. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2022. 4,500 cases made.
VM 93 (6/2011): (a blend of 83% cabernet sauvignon, 13% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot): Good full red-ruby. Fresher on the nose than the Napanook, showing raspberry, plum, mocha and tobacco aromas. Round and plummy in the mouth, with a restrained sweetness to the flavors of milk chocolate, mocha and licorice. A wine of moderate ripeness for the vintage, and in a shell today. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins and notes of plum, mocha and chocolate. I don't find quite the structure or grip of the best years. |
|
|
2008 |
Napanook Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
6 |
|
| |
WA 93 (12/2010): The 2008 Napanook (84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot) may be one of the greatest Napanooks made. It is a deeper, richer, more intense wine with full body, an endearing texture and a long, pure finish. These two are “take your pick” vintages, but wine enthusiasts would probably be remiss in not having both 2007 and 2008 in their cellars.
JS 91 (6/2011): A balanced and pretty wine with blueberry and minerals. Medium to full-bodied, with fine tannins and a delicious finish. Dried flowers, milk chocolate and spices. No need to wait for this; it's ready.
VM 88+ (5/2011): (93% cabernet sauvignon, 6% petit verdot and 1% cabernet franc): Good bright red-ruby. Musky aromas of black raspberry, redcurrant, tobacco, menthol and herbs. Offers a light touch to its dark fruit and herbal flavors but comes across as tight today, and not yet showing much pliancy or sweetness. In a cool, minty style but this clenched wine is still a baby. (I tasted this bottle just before press time in New York; my earlier sample at Dominus was lower-toned and did not display as much lift.) --
WS 88 (7/2011): This is tight and complex, very Bordeaux-like in its focus, range of flavors and structure, with dried berry, mineral, loamy earth, tobacco, cedar and tar notes. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2018. 2,600 cases made. |
|
| Dunham Cellars |
2008 |
Lewis Vyd. Syrah |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 90 (10/2011): The 2008 Syrah Lewis Vineyard offers a similar aromatic and flavor profile but lacks the depth and concentration of the 2007. |
|
| Efeste |
2008 |
Big Papa Cabernet Sauvignon |
$60 |
6 |
|
| |
|
| Ehlers Estate |
2008 |
Merlot |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2008 |
One Twenty Over Eighty Cabernet Sauvignon |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Epoch Estate Wines |
2008 |
Paderewski Vyd. Block B Syrah |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Etude |
2008 |
Temblor Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$40 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Far Niente |
2008 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$119 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 92 (6/2011): A full-bodied red with lots of character, from spices such as cinnamon to grilled nuts. Plus plenty of fruit. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long rich finish. Turns a little astringent. Give it three to five years of bottle age to soften.
WA 89 (12/2010): Composed of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc, this dense ruby/purple-colored 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon possesses a slightly muted, restrained set of aromatics (cedar and black currants), but the wine kicks in on the palate. Medium to full-bodied with an elegant style, it is an attractive, stylish Cabernet Sauvignon that appears to be slightly over-priced.
WS 89 (9/2011): Taut and tightly wound, with firm cedar, tobacco, cigar box and roasted herb flavors built around dried currant, mineral and spicy oak notes. Needs time. Decant for now. Best from 2012 through 2022. 10,300 cases made.
VM 88 (5/2011): Bright ruby-red. Aromatic nose combines cherry, currant, chocolate, flowers and fresh herbs lifted by a note of spearmint oil. The juicy palate adds some tobacco and resiny spices to the mix, with a peppery quality contributing energy. The dusty, firm-edged tannins reminded me a bit of 2006, but this has better fruit. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Favia |
2008 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$175 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Figgins Estate |
2008 |
Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
6 |
|
| |
WA 94 (8/2011): The 2008 Figgins Estate Red Wine is the inaugural release of a wine made by Chris Figgins, son of Leonetti Cellar founder, Gary Figgins. The fruit was sourced from the Figgins Estate Vineyard which is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Merlot. The wine was aged in 70% new French oak for 22 months before bottling without fining or filtration. A total of 831 cases were produced. Sandalwood, exotic spices, sage, cherry blossom, cassis, and blackberry aromas inform the nose of a dense, rich, elegant, beautifully proportioned wine that has enough ripe, fine-grained tannin to blossom for another 4-5 years. It offers a drinking window extending from 2015 to 2023, perhaps longer. All in all, not a bad debut.
VM 93+ (10/2011): (a blend of cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot and merlot, from vines planted by Chris Figgins in 2004 and 2005 on silt and loam soil at an altitude of 1,500 to 1, 750 feet, a half mile east of Leonetti's Mill Creek Upland Vineyard): Saturated ruby-red. Deep aromas of blackberry, licorice, coffee and bitter chocolate. Dense, thick and sweet, but with harmonious acidity giving shape and lift to the pungent pomegranate, spice and tobacco flavors. Wonderfully seamless, vibrant wine with terrific underlying structure and a very long, sappy finish featuring sweet, broad tannins. This eagerly awaited inaugural release from Chris Figgins' new venture offers Outstanding quality, particularly for a wine from such young vines.
WS 93 (11/2011): Broad and generous, offering a supple mouthful of mineral-accented blackberry, cherry and mint flavors, mingling effectively on the polished finish. Offers depth and refinement. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Merlot. Drink now through 2018. 831 cases made. |
|
| Robert Foley Vineyards |
2008 |
Claret |
$109 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (12/2010): The 2008 Claret (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) has that ethereal nose of spring flowers, boysenberry, blueberry, black currant, and spice. Following that seductive aromatic display, Foley’s brilliance is again exhibited in the mouthfeel of this seamless wine, which has full-bodied flavors, no hard edges, gorgeous layers of fruit, and loads of complexity already, but is still a youthful wine with its best days ahead of it. This is brilliant winemaking, as some of us have come to expect from Bob Foley, and it should age well for 15-20 years. |
|
| Fortunate Son |
2008 |
Naughty Wicked Witch of the West Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$149 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Frank Family |
2008 |
Zinfandel |
$25 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 88 (12/2011): The 2008 Zinfandel shows excellent depth in its sweet red cherries flowers and licorice. This is a subdued style of Zinfandel, yet the wine’s overall balance is quite good. The blend incorporates 16% Petite Sirah. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. |
|
|
2008 |
Reserve Zinfandel |
$20 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Futo |
2008 |
Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon |
$150 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Gorman |
2008 |
The Bully Cabernet Sauvignon |
$60 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 93 (10/2011): The 2008 The Bully Cabernet Sauvignon contains 15% Petit Verdot and was aged in 100% new French oak. Fragrant aromas of sandalwood, exotic spices, violets, earthy minerals, and assorted black fruits are followed by a sweetly-fruited, plush, layered wine with outstanding volume and balance. This lengthy effort will benefit from another 2-3 years of cellaring and will deliver prime drinking through 2023.
VM 88+ (11/2011): Medium ruby. Currant, blackberry and licorice on the nose, lifted by a violet topnote. Juicy, spicy black fruit flavors are still youthfully tough but there's good sweetness here. The back end is a bit clenched, with substantial tannins coming across as a bit dry and medicinal, but solid supporting extract suggests that this will reward some patience. Stphen Tanzer. |
|
| Gramercy Cellars |
2008 |
John Lewis Reserve Syrah |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2008 |
Lagniappe Syrah |
$59 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Grand Reve |
2008 |
Collaboration II Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 94 (6/2011): Showing even better than a year ago, the 2008 Grand Reve Vintners Collaboration Series II Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, a blend of 40% Grenache, 38% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre, and 1% each of Viognier and Roussanne, aged in 30% new French oak, delivers a stunning array of blackberry and cassis fruit, roasted meats, leafy herbs, and black olive on the nose. This is followed by a medium to full bodied wine that is youthful and fresh, possessing a seamless, pure texture, ripe tannin, and a classy, long finish. Evolving beautifully and gaining in both complexity and palate richness, this should continue to drink beautifully for another 10-12 years.
VM 90 (11/2011): Good deep ruby. Sexy, musky aromas of mulberry, mocha and pepper. Sweet and spicy, with peppery lift and nicely integrated acidity giving clarity and grip to this juicy midweight. Hints of herbs and menthol contribute complexity. Finishes with firm tannins and very good persistence. Nicely understated wine in a rather French style. |
|
| Grgich Hills |
2008 |
Miljenko’s Old Vine Zinfandel |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Hayfork |
2008 |
Lewelling Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 94+ (12/2010): Some investment in patience will be warranted with this wine, which is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot from the Llewelling Ranch at the base of St. Helena’s western hills. Aged in 100% new French oak, the wine is tight and restrained, but bursting with potential. Oodles of minerality, black currants, graphite, tobacco leaf, and spice box are all present in this deep, full-bodied, concentrated and powerful wine. However, the tannins are still present and the wine in need of 4-5 years of cellaring. It should keep for 20-30 years. |
|
| Honig Cellars |
2008 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 89 (12/2011): The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon emerges from the glass with scents of tar, smoke and graphite. It shows more depth, freshness and overall structure than the 2009, with plenty of energy and focus in its fruit. The final blend in 2008 includes 4.5% Petit Verdot. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Januik |
2008 |
Champoux Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$115 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 93+ (11/2011): Bright red-ruby. Knockout nose features aromas of cassis, blackberry, cocoa powder, licorice and flowers. Suave and seamless, showing an old-viney creaminess complicated by sexy Taransaud spice notes. Conveys an impression of restrained sweetness thanks to its bright acidity. Very concentrated, sappy and long. Lay this one down. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 93 (10/2011): The purple-colored 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Champoux Vineyard is a step up, not surprising given this vineyard’s track record. Exotic spices, incense, violets, earthy minerals, black currant, and blackberry aromas inform the nose of a rich, plush, dense offering with enough fine-grained tannin to evolve for another 3-4 years. It is likely to see its 20th birthday in fine form. |
|
|
2008 |
Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 90 (11/2011): Good bright red with ruby highlights. Sexy aromas of dark raspberry, tobacco, licorice and menthol. Sweet and suave, with noteworthy fruit intensity and inner-mouth energy. Finishes with fine, dusty tannins and very good lift. A strong vintage for this basic cabernet release. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 90 (10/2011): The Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley is Januik Winery’s best selling SKU from year to year. The 2008 is composed of 45% Champoux Vineyard fruit which may explain its popularity. Blended with some Cabernet Franc and Malbec, it offers up an alluring nose of cedar, spice box, tobacco, black currant and blackberry. This leads to a wine with savory flavors, good depth, and enough structure to evolve for 2-3 years. It will drink nicely from 2013 to 2023. |
|
|
2008 |
Reserve Red Wine (1.5 L) |
$125 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 94 (10/2011): My favorite of the portfolio (as it was in the 2007 vintage) is the 2008 Reserve Red Wine, a blend of predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with some Merlot from the Champoux and Weinbau vineyards. Aromas of sandalwood, exotic spices, violets, earthy minerals, black currants, and blackberry lead to a dense, plush, concentrated wine with extra layers of flavor. Beautifully proportioned and lengthy, it is likely to have a 20 year lifespan.
VM 93 (11/2011): Bright red-ruby color. Dark berries and sexy oak on the nose. Sweet, suave and rather voluptuous, but with a firm spine of acidity giving shape to the broad, mouthfilling flavors of dark berries, cocoa powder and rose petal. The long finish features dusty, cheek-coating tannins and a hint of minerality. These 2008 reds have pHs between 3.65 and 3.75, which is "about normal," according to Mike Januik. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| James Johnson Vineyard |
2008 |
Bisou Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
6 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (12/2011): The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Bisou comes across as more powerful than the 2007. The flavor profile is slightly darker than normal and everything is just a bit richer, deeper and more balanced than the wines I have tasted from this site previously. Dark cherries, plums, menthol and licorice wrap around the sensual, textured finish. This is a terrific showing for the Bisou. (Drink between 2013-2020). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Jones Family Vineyard |
2008 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$79 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Robert Keenan |
2008 |
Cabernet Franc |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (12/2010): Cabernet Franc has performed brilliantly at this height, and this is another example of the potential of Spring Mountain. This dense purple-hued wine is richly fruity with a beautiful floral, blueberry, raspberry and black currant-scented nose, good underlying minerality and a gorgeous fruit intensity without any sense of heaviness (14.3% alcohol). Elegant, pure and well-textured, this is a stunning Cabernet Franc to drink over the next decade.
VM 93 (5/2011): Bright ruby-red. High-pitched, perfumed nose offers sexy aromas of blackberry, cherry, violet and musky brown spices. Densely packed and energetic, with a mountain berry intensity that's accentuated by ripe, integrated acidity. A complete but very youthful cabernet franc that finishes with broad tannins and lingering perfume. A sentimental favorite. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2008 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 88 (5/2012): Bright ruby-red. Aromas of cassis, plum, mocha, menthol, licorice and fresh herbs suggest a wide range of ripeness. Subtly sweet and supple in the mouth, with good herbal lift and intensity to the currant, chocolate and licorice flavors. Finishes with rather serious tannins that turned a bit dry with air. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2008 |
Mernet Reserve Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95 (12/2010): The 2008 Mernet Reserve Proprietary Red (350 cases produced) is composed of 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon. I’ve never liked the name that much, but I sure love the wine. Another prodigious effort from Keenan, it boasts an inky/purple color as well as a sweet nose filled with blackberry, black currant and cherry fruit intermixed with mocha and chocolate. Full-bodied and rich with an enticing suppleness as well as admirable length and texture, it should drink well for 15 or more years. For those who haven’t noticed, Michael Keenan appears to be ratcheting up the quality with every new vintage. Bravo!
VM 88 (5/2018): Bright, dark medium ruby. Blackberry and licorice aromas show a faintly weedy quality and a violet high note. A juicy wine with moderate flesh to its flavors of black fruits, herbs and spices, plus a hint of stewed tomato. Not my favorite style but nicely filled in and pliant, with a touch of sweetness even if the Merlot herbacity comes through. Finishes with serious, tongue-dusting tannins and a slight mounting dryness. This Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend isn't going anywhere but there's no hurry to drink it. (Drink between 2018-2026). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Keplinger |
2008 |
Caldera Proprietary Blend |
$20 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 92 (12/2011): The 2008 Caldera is a gorgeous wine laced with tar, smoke, bacon fat and ash. It shows terrific purity and finesse through to the textured finish. Dried flowers, spices, tobacco and game add the final layers of complexity to this exotic, beguiling red. The 2008 Caldera is 65% Mourvedre, 30% Grenache and 5% Counoise. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016.
VM 91+ (6/2011): Medium red, a bit less saturated than the 2007. Then cooler and more complex on the nose, offering scents of red cherry, raspberry, lavender, tree bark, minerals, iron and leather; I would have thought I had my nose in a French wine. Silky and floral on entry, then tighter in the middle palate, with lovely integrated acidity to frame the raspberry fruit. Finishes with noteworthy floral persistence. Fruitier than the 2007 today but both wines have plenty of development ahead of them. |
|
| Lancaster |
2008 |
Estate Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
6 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (2/2012): Unfortunately I was only able to taste one wine from Lancaster, but it is a stunner. David Ramey is on board as consultant. Hopefully the 2008 is a sign of great things to come. The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate bursts from the glass with blackberries, cassis, grilled herbs, smoke and licorice, all of which are beautifully woven together. This ripe juicy Cabernet presents an exotic, super-ripe profile balanced by a firm sense of structure. Not a bad combination, to say the least. Freshly cut flowers, mint and licorice are layered into the energetic, vibrant finish. (Drink between 2014-2024). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Lillian Winery |
2008 |
Syrah |
$59 |
6 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (10/2011): Glass-staining purple. Deeply pitched aromas of black and blue fruits, incense, olive tapenade and fruitcake, with smoke and violet notes gaining power with air. Rich and broad but almost shockingly energetic, offering sweet, liqueur-like blackberry and boysenberry flavors and exotic spice and floral pastille qualities. Intense and focused on the extremely long finish, which strongly repeats the floral and spice notes. I had the chance to retaste the 2007 Lillian this fall, and while it appears to have closed down a bit since this time last year, it is still a complex, compelling and extremely alluring wine. As rich as it is, it doesn't come off as overblown or overtly decadent. |
|
|
2008 |
Syrah (1.5 L) |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (10/2011): Glass-staining purple. Deeply pitched aromas of black and blue fruits, incense, olive tapenade and fruitcake, with smoke and violet notes gaining power with air. Rich and broad but almost shockingly energetic, offering sweet, liqueur-like blackberry and boysenberry flavors and exotic spice and floral pastille qualities. Intense and focused on the extremely long finish, which strongly repeats the floral and spice notes. I had the chance to retaste the 2007 Lillian this fall, and while it appears to have closed down a bit since this time last year, it is still a complex, compelling and extremely alluring wine. As rich as it is, it doesn't come off as overblown or overtly decadent. |
|
| Robert Mondavi |
2008 |
Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
15 |
|
| |
|
| Mount Eden Vineyards |
2008 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (11/2013): Opaque ruby. Fragrant dark berry and cherry scents are deepened by notes of cured tobacco, vanilla, licorice and dark chocolate, with a smoky mineral nuance adding vibrancy. Sappy, penetrating blackcurrant and bitter cherry flavors are sweetened by notes of vanilla, mocha and candied flowers. This powerful, elegant cabernet finishes youthfully tannic and long, with excellent clarity. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2008 |
Domaine Eden Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
4 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (8/2012): The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon is a beautiful fleshy wine laced with sweet tobacco, licorice, tar, game, grilled herbs and dark red raspberries. It shows fabulous depth and richness with great personality. Firm tannins frame the finish in this exquisite beauty. The 2008 is more complex than the 2009 tasted alongside it, but will also require slightly more time. The blend is 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 9% Mourvèdre, 3% Merlot and 1% Malbec, all from five vineyards in Saratoga and Los Gatos. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| O'Shaughnessy |
2008 |
Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon |
$95 |
6 |
|
| |
WA 94+ (12/2010): The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is comprised of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest six other grapes - Merlot, Malbec, St. Macaire (how often do you see that!), Petit Verdot, Carmenere, and Cabernet Franc - and is aged 20 months in three-fourths French oak. It has a dense purple color, a wonderful, crystalline nose of crushed rock, camphor, creme de cassis and spring flowers, and a full-bodied mouthfeel. The tannins are moderately high, but they are soft and well-integrated. This is a wine of tremendous intensity and plenty of up-side. Give this wine 2-3 years of bottle age and drink it over the following 20-25 years.
VM 93 (6/2011): (81% cabernet sauvignon, along with merlot, cabernet franc, malbec, petit verdot, carmenere and St. Macaire; as with the 2004 and 2006 bottlings, this wine includes all seven varieties planted in this vineyard): Bright ruby-red. Perfumed nose offers plum, black cherry, graphite, mocha, cedar, chocolate mint and sexy toasty oak (75% new). Compellingly sweet and pliant, with a velvety texture given shape by harmonious acidity. Still a bit ungiving on the firmly tannic finish, which hints at menthol. This very rich, pure wine needs time in bottle to develop more complexity and should be long-lived. |
|
|
2008 |
Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon |
$139 |
5 |
|
| |
WA 98 (12/2010): Absolutely prodigious is the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder (500 cases of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon off a site west of Oakville). Dense bluish purple to the rim, with a sensational nose of forest, flowers, graphite, and blueberry liqueur intermixed with creme de cassis and burning embers/charcoal, this wine has fabulous fruit, a remarkably full-bodied texture, great purity, and a finish that goes on for close to 50+ seconds. This is an awesome 2008 and one of the great wines of the vintage. It should drink well for 25+ years.
VM 91+ (5/2018): Full medium ruby. High-pitched aromas of cassis, blackberry, violet and licorice convey an inky, medicinal quality. Fine-grained, juicy and penetrating, but a bit less complex and pliant today than the estate's Howell Mountain bottling. The wine's dusty, building tannins show a distinctly firm edge, blocking the wine's texture and sweetness. But this Cabernet offers terrific density without any weightiness, and I suspect it's simply in an awkward closed stage today and in need of patience. (Drink between 2022-2035). Stphen Tanzer. |
|
| Casa Piena |
2008 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$95 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2008 |
Cabernet Sauvignon Bin-Soiled Label |
$95 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Realm |
2008 |
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$225 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94+ (12/2010): A brilliant wine (as one might expect, given the source for the raw material) is the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard, a blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot, with the Cabernet Sauvignon coming from the famed Clone 6. This wine (like so many wines from this parcel that is basically a gravel pit) has a very flinty/hot rocks sort of character to the cassis and blackberry fruit, a common element no matter who makes wine from this site. This wine from Realm is like Napa Valley’s version of La Mission Haut-Brion in Bordeaux. It is full-bodied, powerful, flowery, and at the same time, thick, rich and powerful. Giver it 3-4 years of cellaring and drink it over the next 25+ years.
VM 92+ (5/2011): (96% cabernet sauvignon with 4% petit verdot): Good medium ruby. Black- and redcurrant, licorice, bitter chocolate and a musky cedary note on the nose. Juicy, intense and fruit-driven, with complicating smoke and mineral nuances. Offers subtle sweetness but comes across as a bit medicinal and bound-up today. Broadened nicely with aeration but this cabernet needs time. Today the dusty tannins are less refined than those of the To Kalon. Stephen Tanzer.
WS 92 (8/2011): Firm and intense, yet gushing with rich blueberry, blackberry, plum and cassis flavors. Shows great density and concentration, along with a supple lining in texture, finishing with hot stone and pebble notes and a burst of fruit. Best from 2013 through 2022. 145 cases made. |
|
|
2008 |
Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$175 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94+ (12/2010): From Clone 4 and Clone 337, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) is the equivalent of a Bordeaux first or second growth. Sweet creme de cassis notes intermixed with some white chocolate, cedar wood, fruitcake and spice box are all present in this deep bluish/purple-colored wine, which also has hints of lead pencil shavings and tobacco leaf. Deep, rich, full-bodied, and intense, this wine should drink well for at least another 20-25 years.
VM 93+ (5/2011): (like the Farella bottling, this is 100% cabernet sauvignon): Bright medium ruby. Deep, soil-driven aromas of currant, smoke, mocha, milk chocolate and nutty oak. Like liquid silk in the mouth but with enticing minerally lift. Boasts terrific depth but this rich, tactile wine is still a baby and is not yet showing its inherent complexity. Spreads out to dust the entire palate, finishing long, subtle and very suave, with serious but thoroughly ripe tannins. There's nothing heavy or overly sweet about this beauty. Really reverberates on the aftertaste. Stephen Tanzer.
WS 89 (7/2011): Pure and focused, featuring a complex mix of ripe plum and black cherry flavors, with a touch of anise and black licorice notes. Full-bodied, firming on the finish, this shows a chalky edge. Best from 2012 through 2021. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 225 cases made. |
|
|
2008 |
The Bard Proprietary Blend |
$100 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 91+ (5/2011): (14.9% alcohol; 81% cabernet sauvignon with 13% petit verdot and 6% malbec): Full ruby. Reticent but pure aromas of black cherry, cassis, menthol and woodsmoke. Lush and sweet on entry, then a bit youthfully clenched in the middle, with bright acidity framing the purple fruit, chocolate and licorice flavors. In a tougher and more obviously tannic style than the Falstaff bottling and in need of at least three or four years of bottle aging. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2008 |
The Tempest Proprietary Blend |
$95 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (12/2010): The 2008 The Tempest (a blend of 50% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot) is a tribute to the Right Bank wines of Bordeaux. Its opaque purple color is followed by abundant aromas of graphite, white chocolate, blackberries and cassis. This is an extraordinarily endearing wine, already irresistible, and it should drink well for at least a decade or more. Virtually all of the grapes came from the Stagecoach Vineyard in the hills east of Oakville, with a small quantity of Petit Verdot coming from the Dr. Crane Vineyard in St. Helena. |
|
| Mark Ryan |
2008 |
Dead Horse Cabernet Sauvignon |
$51 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2008 |
Dead Horse Red Wine |
$51 |
8 |
|
| |
| VM 92+ (12/2011): (a five-variety Bordeaux blend based on 62% cabernet sauvignon): Good deep red. Aromas of dark cherry, blueberry, minerals and pepper lifted by violet. Pliant, concentrated and sweet; lush and tactile but at the same time firmly built. Finishes with strong but integrated tannins and a serious structural underpinning. Very impressive. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2008 |
Lonely Heart Cabernet Sauvignon |
$51 |
4 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (12/2011): (an 83/17 blend of cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot; a selection of six barrels): Good deep ruby-red. Crushed blackberry, licorice and violet on the explosive nose, plus a strong element of minerality. Sweet, lush and concentrated, but with excellent energy and lift to the fine-grained flavors of dark berries, roast coffee, violet and minerals. This really saturates the mouth with flavor. Finishes with broad, dusty tannins, outstanding intensity and impressive length. Great fruit here. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2008 |
Long Haul Red Mountain Red Wine |
$51 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2008 |
Water Witch Klipsun Vyd. Red Wine |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2008 |
Water Witch Red Mountain Red Wine |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (10/2011): The 2008 Water Witch is a blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, and 2% Malbec sourced entirely from the Klipsun Vineyard and aged in 92% French oak. Toasty oak, earthy mineral, lots of spice, violets, black currant, and blackberry aromas set the stage for a large-scaled, voluminous, structured wine with layers of savory fruit, 3-4 years of aging potential, and a lengthy finish. Its drinking window will extend from 2014 to 2023+. |
|
| Sawyer Cellars |
2008 |
Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon |
$30 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Schrader |
2008 |
Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$350 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 98+ (12/2010): The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Schrader, which comes from Clones 4, 6 and 337, is slightly more structured and perhaps not as velvety as the CCS or RBS. Again, blue fruits, black fruits, camphor, charcoal and burning ember characteristics are presented in a full-bodied, powerful style that balances intensity with elegance and an uncanny equilibrium. This is another stunning wine that should benefit from 4-5 years of cellaring and keep for 25-30+ years. |
|
|
2008 |
G III Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$325 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 97 (12/2010): The 2008s were bottled in early summer, 2010. From the Beckstoffer Vineyard, the opaque blue/purple-colored 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon George III Clone 337 rocks out of the glass with brilliant aromas of creme de cassis, Christmas fruitcake, cedarwood, licorice and incense. The wine is deep, full-bodied, dense and concentrated with outstanding purity, texture and length. It is approachable now (one of the seductive characteristics of these wines) yet is capable of lasting 25 or more years. |
|
| Seavey |
2008 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
3 |
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WA 95 (12/2010): One of the strongest wines of the vintage, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon is a worthy rival to Seavey’s gorgeous 2007. A blend of 90.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9.5% Petit Verdot, it was cropped very low and, sadly, the production is a tiny 475 cases (30-40% less than normal). The wine’s dense opaque purple color is followed by notes of volcanic ash, burning embers, camphor, blackberries, cassis and cedar. The wine reveals terrific fruit on the attack, a full-bodied mid-palate and a multilayered textural mouthfeel. Dense, rich and pure with noticeable but sweet tannins, this big, formidably endowed Cabernet Sauvignon will age gracefully for 20-25 years.
VM 92+ (6/2011): (includes 9.5% petit verdot): Bright ruby. Aromas of black cherry, crushed blueberry, licorice and menthol, lifted by a note of cinnamon. Dense, supple and juicy, with very good purity to the flavors of crushed dark berries. But a cool rather than a full-blown style of this wine: today I find a hint of underlying minerality but not the typical warm loam and tobacco elements characteristic of this site. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins and excellent length. This will need at least a few years to open and expand in the bottle. |
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| Sine Qua Non |
2008 |
The Duel Syrah Cracked Wax Capsule; Heavily Bin-Soiled Label |
$399 |
1 |
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WA 99 (8/2013): A prodigious effort that possesses overflowing richness and depth, the 2008 Syrah The Duel (88% Syrah, 6% Grenache and 6% Viognier, all from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard) delivers an off-the-hook drinking experience with decadent cassis, blackberry, smoked meats, crushed flowers and hints of spice all soaring from the glass. A full-bodied, unctuous Syrah that stays fresh and elegant, with vibrant acidity, it needs a solid decant if drinking anytime soon and will see its 20th birthday in fine form. Drink now-2028.
VM 96 (1/2015): The 2008 Syrah The Duel, from Manfred and Elaine Krankl’s Eleven Confessions Vineyard, is also impossibly young, with little in the way of flavor development. I typically enjoy the Sine Qua Non reds either upon release or around age ten, so I probably should have followed my own advice. The 2008 is beautiful, but it will clearly be even better in another few years’ time. This is one of the most reticent bottles of the 2008 I have tasted. Antonio Galloni.
WS 94 (3/2013): Pure, rich and deeply flavored, centered around ripe, restrained plum and blueberry flavors, with touches of spice, cedar, tobacco and crushed rock. Ends with a subtle, detailed aftertaste. Drink now through 2021. 389 cases made. |
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| Snowden |
2008 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
2 |
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| WA 92 (12/2010): A dramatic upgrade, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve exhibits aromas of creme de cassis, burning embers, licorice and smoked herbs. It ratchets up the body, concentration and depth yet possesses silky smooth tannins and a forward style. This beauty should drink well for 15+ years. |
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| Soos Creek |
2008 |
Champoux Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
5 |
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| Sparkman Cellars |
2008 |
Kingpin Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
6 |
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| Spottswoode |
2008 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$159 |
2 |
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WA 95+ (12/2010): The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits a glorious perfume of spring flowers, blueberries and black currants, good acidity and serious tannins as well as concentration. It is slightly more restrained and backward than the seamless, compelling 2007, but the 2008 possesses lots of stuffing as well as elegance married with purity, power and rare equilibrium. Drink it over the next 2-3 decades.
VM 90-92 (6/2010): (includes 6% cabernet franc) Good medium ruby. Blackberry and bitter chocolate aromas perked up by violet, mint and a hint of pepper. A fruity, supple midweight with precise cabernet character and excellent purity of flavor. The tannins begin quite fine but mount with air, ultimately cutting off the wine's lingering dark fruit flavors. Still, this young cabernet has the edge over the estate's 2006 today. Winemaker Jennifer Williams extended the skin contact during the vinification by 7 to 10 days in 2008 (up to 41 days for some lots) and believes that this approach resulted in a softening of the tannins in the tank. The big challenge in 2008, said Williams, was to pick in multiple passes and then sort carefully. |
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| Spring Mountain Vineyard |
2008 |
Elivette Proprietary Blend |
$110 |
3 |
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| VM 88 (5/2013): (75% cabernet sauvignon, 13% cabernet franc, 6% merlot, 5% petit verdot and 1% malbec): Good medium-dark red. Dark cherry, mocha, tobacco leaf, fresh herbs and a rather intrusive woodsmoke quality on the nose. Fine-grained in texture but with the smoky oak element currently overshadowing red and darker fruit flavors. Owing to its modest sweetness of material, the tannins turn a bit dry with air. Stephen Tanzer. |
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2008 |
Elivette Proprietary Blend Lightly Wine-Stained Label |
$129 |
1 |
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| VM 88 (5/2013): (75% cabernet sauvignon, 13% cabernet franc, 6% merlot, 5% petit verdot and 1% malbec): Good medium-dark red. Dark cherry, mocha, tobacco leaf, fresh herbs and a rather intrusive woodsmoke quality on the nose. Fine-grained in texture but with the smoky oak element currently overshadowing red and darker fruit flavors. Owing to its modest sweetness of material, the tannins turn a bit dry with air. Stephen Tanzer. |
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2008 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
3 |
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| VM 88+ (5/2013): Full red-ruby. Black plum, licorice, herbs, menthol, cola and chocolatey oak on the slightly medicinal nose. Intense, rather smooth flavors of kirsch and menthol show less complexity today but a bit more energy and richness than those of the '08 Elivette. Still rather tightly coiled and tannic, with more to come with time in the cellar. Stephen Tanzer. |
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| Stags' Leap Winery |
2008 |
Ne Cede Malis Petite Sirah |
$40 |
1 |
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| Sterling Vineyards |
2008 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Franc |
$30 |
1 |
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| Tenor Wines |
2008 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$52 |
3 |
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WA 91 (12/2012): I’m very sympathetic to Morell’s view that Washington State wines should be taken on (and encourage perception in terms of) their own unique terms, but I certainly had a strong feeling of kinship with Bordeaux when I stuck my nose in a glass of Tenor 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon and encountered band-aid, pencil lead, cassis, olive, dark tobacco, and toasted nuts. The tannins here are so fine that despite their manifest density the effect is almost creamy; and the bittersweet elements inform a finish that while broodingly low-toned, possesses considerable primary juiciness unhindered in its flow by a regimen of 20 months in new barrel. I hope this wine is indicative of where more of the Tenor wines are headed, whether in the bottle or in future vintages.
VM 90+ (11/2011): Good medium ruby. Complex nose melds plum, currant, smoke, violet and dusty minerality. Juicy and firm, with sweetness restrained by the wine's underlying minerality. This seriously structured, very young cabernet finishes with solid tannins and rising, chocolatey persistence. Stephen Tanzer. |
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2008 |
Merlot |
$52 |
1 |
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| VM 89 (11/2011): Good dark ruby-red. Blackberry, licorice, minerals and violet on the lively nose. Offers lovely sweetness but also good restraint to its dark berry and dark chocolate flavors. Finishes with firm tannins and very good length. Tenor is Matthews' high-end line. Stephen Tanzer. |
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2008 |
1:1 Proprietary Blend |
$70 |
2 |
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VM 88+ (11/2011): Saturated ruby. Black cherry, plum, mocha and licorice on the nose. Smoky on entry, then a bit gritty in the mid-palate, with substantial tannins cutting off the wine's fruit on the end. More saline and chocolatey than primary-fruity. This will require patience. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 87 (12/2012): Morell’s 2008 1:1 – whose elevage and blend hardly differ from that of the 2009 save for 5% more Cabernet Franc – is possessed of the same bitter sort of dark berry concentration and gum-numbing tannin as that successor, suggestion that an extra year in bottle is insufficient to have any significant effect in that department. Arbor vita, juniper berry, dark tobacco, rosemary and black pepper all add to the rather somber and austere as well as piquant and pungent impression made by this big-boned blend. I guess I have to hope to be able to revisit these wines after several years in bottle (though happily the 2007 was more harmonious and expressive). |
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| Tensley Wines |
2008 |
Colson Canyon Vyd. Syrah |
$55 |
5 |
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| WA 96 (8/2010): The 2008 Syrah Colson Canyon exhibits notes of scorched earth, smoked meats, blackberries, cassis, and flowers. The complex, northern Rhone-like bouquet is followed by the exuberant, unapologetic, ripe fruit of California. Boasting extraordinary intensity as well as abundant smoky barbecue notes, stunning, full-bodied opulence, and a powerful, layered mouthfeel, this terrific Syrah should drink well for 10-12 years. Fortunately, there are 1,650 cases available. As longtime readers know, Tensley has two wines (200 cases each) that are offered in magnum only. |
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| Terlato Vineyards |
2008 |
Episode Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$150 |
1 |
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| Twomey Cellars (Silver Oak) |
2008 |
Merlot |
$38 |
1 |
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| Andrew Will |
2008 |
Champoux Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
3 |
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WA 95 (8/2011): The 2008 Champoux Vineyard is made up of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. It sports an inviting bouquet of sandalwood, rose petal, Asian spices, a hint of leather, black currant, and blackberry. This is followed by a succulent, plush, pleasure-bent wine that deftly conceals enough structure to evolve for 5-7 years. It offers a drinking window extending from 2016 to 2028+.
VM 91 (11/2011): Bright ruby-red. Spicy redcurrant and nutty oak on the nose and palate. Sweet, broad and concentrated, with concentrated currant fruit given a slightly dry edge by substantial dusty tannins. Stephen Tanzer. |
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2008 |
Ciel du Cheval Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
3 |
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WA 93 (8/2011): The vineyard blends begin with the 2008 Ciel du Cheval. It is composed of 36% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 32% Cabernet Franc. Alluring aromas of pain grille, pencil lead, violets, incense, black currant, and blackberry inform the nose of a spicy, layered, impeccably balanced and structured wine that will benefit from 3-4 years of cellaring.
VM 93 (11/2011): (a blend of 36% merlot and 32% each cabernet sauvignon and franc): Deep red-ruby. Fresh aromas of dark berries, violet and cocoa powder, with a note of blueberries in cream emerging with air. Lovely sweet, generous berry fruit saturates the palate and carries impressively on the lively, very long finish, which hints at espresso. This broad, youthful wine is at once more structured and more friendly than the Champoux Vineyard offering. Stephen Tanzer.
WS 92 (8/2011): This has a serious grip of tannins around a rumbling core of blackberry, licorice and pepper flavors, pushing through the firm finish. Needs time, but should eventually gain elegance. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2013 through 2020. 1,074 cases made. |
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2008 |
Sorella Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
3 |
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WS 95 (8/2011): (Wine Spectator #32 of 2011) Impressive for its intensity and elegance, packed with black cherry, cherry, plum and spice flavors, hinting at roasted red pepper and a tarry minerality as the finish glides smoothly over refined tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Best from 2012 through 2020. 973 cases made.
VM 95 (10/2011): (80% cabernet sauvignon, 14% cabernet franc and 6% merlot): Red-ruby. Sexy aromas of plum, brown spices and cedary oak. Sweet, fresh and concentrated, with brisk, intense flavors of raspberry, sandalwood and cocoa powder. Terrific lift to the fruit. Finishes impressively long, with noble tannins and palate-staining sweetness. A knockout.
WA 92 (8/2011): The 2008 Sorella lacks the mind-boggling personality of the great 2007 although it is still an Outstanding effort. It displays a bit of heat and lacks the length of its predecessor. |
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2008 |
Two Blondes Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
3 |
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WA 90 (6/2013): The most evolved and ready to go of the lineup, the 2008 Two Blondes Vineyard (42% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc and 9% Malbec) is an open-knit, supple and perfumed blend that gives up notions of plum, mint and aged beef to go with a delicious, medium-bodied, supple mouthfeel. Drinking at the early stages of maturity, it should continue to evolve and drink well for another 5-8 years.
VM 89 (11/2011): Medium red. Redcurrant, strawberry and a hint of mocha on the nose. Plush, broad and spicy, with a nutty quality to the strawberry and raspberry fruit flavors. Finishes with slightly dry tannins and moderate verve. I'd drink this blend on the early side. Stephen Tanzer. |
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