2008 Staglin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Bright medium ruby. Cassis, bitter chocolate, licorice, violet and spicy oak on the nose. Densely packed and ripe but also nicely vibrant, with good lift and saline complexity to the black cherry, dark berry and licorice flavors. Finishes with big, ripe tannins and very good chocolatey persistence. Hints at slightly elevated alcohol but also boasts harmonious acidity and plenty of personality. An excellent vintage for this bottling.

The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate possesses a denser ruby/purple color, more structure and tannin, and hints of toasty oak intermixed with tobacco leaf, black currant and graphite. Slightly closed but very promising, it has a medium to full-bodied, youthful, pure style as well as a wonderful length and finish. Cellar it for several more years and drink it over the following two decades. Tel. (707) 963-1749; Fax (707) 944-0535