One of the top successes of the vintage, this blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot was harvested between October 8 and 24. The late harvest ensured perfect ripeness as evidenced by the sweet bouquet of black cherries, lead pencil shavings, cassis and subtle barbecue smoke. Well-balanced with good acidity, ripe tannins, medium to full body and a layered mouthfeel, this excellent 2008 can be drunk now and over the next 15+ years. 95 Points, The Wine Advocate (2011)
Smoky, toasty oak notes take the lead in this powerful red, framing a core of dark flavors, with cassis, espresso and tar. Bold, with muscular tannins and chewy extract. Best from 2013 through 2020. 90 Points, The Wine Spectator (Dec 2010)
Full, saturated bright ruby. Restrained but captivating aromas of black fruits and minerals. Big, sweet, broad and mouthfilling, with terrific purity to the dense flavors of black fruits and licorice. Really builds and spreads out on the back half, finishing with suave tannins and lingering dark cherry and mineral perfume. Utterly seamless, highly concentrated wine with captivating sweetness, but there's nothing over the top about this beauty. 94 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Jul/Aug 11 | 
