2008 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
Deep ruby, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, blended with 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, opens with aromas of cedar, old leather, graphite, star anise and fenugreek with meaty notions, dusty earth, iron and a core of dried red and black cherries and berries. It's medium-bodied, silky and smooth in the mouth, swelling out to intact, ripe black fruits with layers of chocolate and spice. It has very plush, ripe, pixelated tannins and good freshness, finishing long and savory. This is in a beautiful spot for drinking right now! 4,678 cases were made.
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Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
I was also able to taste a set of 2008s from Ramey, all of which showed brilliantly. The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley has a beautiful nose of graphite, tobacco, lead pencil, and licorice as well as a ripe, sexy, still youthful character. It’s a classic Napa Valley Cabernet.
(14.5% alcohol): Medium ruby-red. Cassis, black plum, cedar, tobacco leaf and licorice on the nose. Fine-grained and suave on entry, then a bit medicinal and cool in the middle palate, conveying an impression of freshness to its dark berry and black cherry flavors. Displays a lovely subtle sweetness throughout but still in a rather brooding style, finishing with firm, dusty tannins and lingering dark fruit and mineral flavors. More open-knit and less relentlessly primary and black in character than the following two Ramey Cabs but there's still no hurry to drink this.
The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon impresses for its layers of dark, plush fruit. Hints of cassis, grilled herbs, tobacco and cedar develop in the glass, adding further complexity and depth. Firm tannins frame the long finish. This is a very classic and beautiful Cabernet. In 2008 the blend is 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, sourced from a number of sites, including Somerston, DeSantis, Lamoreaux and Snowden.