2008 Nicholas Allen Carte Blanche Cabernet Sauvignon
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The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon bursts from the glass with layers of black fruit, spices, menthol and minerals. It shows great intensity in its fruit, as it builds to the muscular, explosive finish. In 2008 this site was hit hard by the spring frost. According to Luc Morlet the vineyard was also affected by smoke taint from the fires that year, but frankly, that note is very, very faint in this wine, and similar notes also come through in the 2009. The 2008 is 94.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4.5% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec.
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Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate
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The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon bursts from the glass with layers of black fruit, spices, menthol and minerals. It shows great intensity in its fruit, as it builds to the muscular, explosive finish. In 2008 this site was hit hard by the spring frost. According to Luc Morlet the vineyard was also affected by smoke taint from the fires that year, but frankly, that note is very, very faint in this wine, and similar notes also come through in the 2009. The 2008 is 94.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4.5% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023. Proprietor Nicholas Allen and winemaker Luc Morlet make these Bordeaux-inspired reds. The wines are vinified with natural yeasts and natural bacteria for the malolactic fermentations. The Proprietary Red is a Bordeaux right bank-modeled wine made with Cabernet Franc from To Kalon, Merlot from Newton on Spring Mountain and Cabernet Sauvignon from a vineyard in Calistoga. The Cabernet Sauvignon takes its inspiration from Bordeaux’s left bank. The first vintage for Carte Blanche is 2008. dj@carteblanchewine.com