2008 Celani Family Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
(includes 5% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot; mostly from Oakville and Coombsville fruit): Bright medium ruby. Vibrant aromas of cassis, mint, violet, pepper and bitter chocolate. Lush and sweet, with lovely sexy lift to the dark berry, dark chocolate and floral flavors. Creamy without coming across as weighty. In fact, this offers an attractive light touch. Finishes with big, broad tannins. (Incidentally, I upped my score on the 2007 Ardore Cabernet Sauvignon from 92 last year to 93, as the extra year in bottle has helped this very impressive wine integrate its fruit and wood tannins.)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The tightly wound 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon is composed of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot all from the cool, southern Napa Valley sector of Coombsville. All the component parts appear to be present in this wine, but it was shut down the day I tasted it and no matter how much coaxing I gave it, it was difficult to get a true assessment. Densely colored with medium to full body as well as mouth-searing levels of tannin and background oak, the weight, texture and purity are all there, and I suspect it only needs another 3-4 years of bottle age. It should last for 15-20 years. Production at this family-owned vineyard in southern Napa Valley ranges from nearly 1,800 cases of the Tenacious to under 1,000 cases of the Cabernet Sauvignon and only 275 cases of the Ardore. Tel. (877) Ardore1
Bright ruby. Peppery redcurrant and minerals on the nose, plus a hint of sweet Darnajou barrels. Intense black fruit flavors reveal a slightly roasted quality as well as a hint of fresh herbs. Finishes with substantial tannins. Suggests a wider range of ripeness than the 2007. Winemaker Mark Herold has a preference for short, hot fermentations, describing his vinifications as "the hot-water style of making tea."