2008 Peterson Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
(15% alcohol): Medium ruby-red. A floral high note lifts the somewhat inky aromas of dark berries, menthol and spices. Juicy and lively, with its slight dried fruit and mocha character nicely enlivened by peppery herb, tobacco leaf and violet nuances. This producer's wines can get a bit chocolatey and porty in the riper years, but this less thick version shows good energy and verve. The wine's tannins dry the tongue and gums; I'd still give this firm wine a couple more years of cellaring.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(15% alcohol): Good full ruby. Reticent but sexy aromas of blackberry, cassis, minerals, dark chocolate and violet, with a lightly liqueur-like character. Then creamy but not overly sweet on the palate, with attractive mineral and floral lift to the supple flavors of black raspberry and mocha. Strong fruit here, supported by a firm tannic spine.
The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Peterson Family Vineyard is a more long-distance runner that will require some patience from purchasers. A deep plum/ruby/purple color is followed by a tight but promising nose of forest floor, brooding red and black fruits and earth. Careful coaxing is required to help the nuances emerge. Full-bodied, with elevated but sweet tannins, this 2008 is still somewhat monolithic, but is rich and promising. Give it 2-3 years of bottle age and drink it over the following two decades. This tiny producer consistently fashions excellent wines (Bob Foley is the winemaking force behind these efforts). Tel. (707) 967-8987