2008 Shirvington Family Cabernet Sauvignon

Inky ruby. Ripe cherry and dark berries on the nose, with notes of mocha, vanilla bean and pipe tobacco adding complexity. Deep, palate-staining blackberry and boysenberry flavors are framed by velvety tannins. The dense fruit catches up to the oak on the very persistent finish, where the sweet vanilla and mocha qualities repeat. Let this rest for a few years.

Composed of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Shiraz, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon was 100% barrel fermented and aged for 12 months in 60% new oak and 40% one-year-old oak, with 55% American and 45% French barrels. It presents a deep garnet color and aromas of black currant cordial, black cherry preserves and dried plums over spice box, cloves, pencil lead, toast plus a whiff of lavender. Very full bodied and richly fruited in the mouth, the generosity of spicy berry flavors is well supported by a medium to firm level of very finely grained tannins and very crisp acid, finishing long and layered. Drinking nicely now, it should cellar to 2019+. Dec 2011, www.robertparker.com