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Search Flickinger Wine Inventory
Inventory updated: Sat, Oct 25, 2025 11:02 AM cst
Your search criteria:
Regions: USA Red
Vintages: Between 2008 and 2008
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| Abreu |
2008 |
Thorevilos Proprietary Blend  |
$395 |
1 |
|
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WA 98 (12/2011): As Outstanding as all the Abreu wines are, if I had to choose one that stands apart from the others it would be Thorevilos. The 2008 Thorevilos is the most complete and deeply satisfying of Abreu’s 2008s because the balance of fruit and structure is so impeccable. The 2008 literally explodes onto the palate with masses of dark fruit, tar, licorice and smoke. There is a fleshiness and depth of the fruit here that separates the Thorevilos from the other 2008s. Layers of fruit build towards the massive, masculine finish. In 2008 Thorevilos is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc and 15% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2038.
VM 96-98 (12/2011): As Outstanding as all the Abreu wines are, if I had to choose one that stands apart from the others it would be Thorevilos. The 2008 Thorevilos is the most complete and deeply satisfying of Abreu's 2008s because the balance of fruit and structure is so impeccable. The 2008 literally explodes onto the palate with masses of dark fruit, tar, licorice and smoke. There is a fleshiness and depth of the fruit here that separates the Thorevilos from the other 2008s. Layers of fruit build towards the massive, masculine finish. Antonio Galloni.
WS 94 (6/2013): Ultrarich and gutsy, nuzzling up to syrupy, this is a chewy, extracted style that extends the flavors to kirsch, black licorice, blackberry jam, espresso, hazelnut and toffee. Ends with chewy, grainy tannins that give the flavors traction. Drink now through 2026. 350 cases made. |
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| Robert Biale Vineyards |
2008 |
Black Chicken Zinfandel |
$45 |
2 |
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| WA 91 (12/2010): Speaking of the 2008 Zinfandel Black Chicken, it has a beautiful nose of sweet, jammy black cherries and raspberries, a dark ruby/purple-tinged color, and an expansive, medium to full-bodied mouthfeel as well as lots of heady glycerin. This full-throttle, lusty, delicious, silky-textured wine cascades over the palate with no hard edges. It should be drunk over the next 3-4 years. |
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| Bond Estates (Harlan) |
2008 |
Pluribus Proprietary Blend |
$325 |
1 |
|
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WA 95 (12/2011): The 2008 Pluribus is a gorgeous wine laced with black fruit, menthol, minerals, spices and licorice. It shows fabulous density and richness through to the finish. This is a very typical Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025.
VM 94+ (6/2011): Good deep red-ruby. Brooding aromas of black cherry, minerals, crushed stone and menthol. Thick on entry, then bracing and closed in the middle, conveying an impression of brisk energy to its black fruit, licorice, floral and mineral flavors. The wine's substantial tannic clout calls for extended cellaring. Incidentally, I had the pleasure of retasting the superb 2007 offerings from Bond, and found myself scoring most of them even higher than I did in Issue 150--not surprising as I generally taste the new Bond vintages just a month after they've been bottled.
WS 93 (11/2011): Offers a mix of mocha, loamy earth, espresso, dried currant, blueberry, wild berry and cedary sage-charcoal notes. Full-bodied and drying, complex and concentrated. Best from 2012 through 2022. 487 cases made.
JS 92 (6/2011): Eucalyptus and mint and spices with dark fruits. Hints of wood too. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit. Thick and dense. Very soft and juicy. Very approachable. This has a little more Merlot than normal, making it very approachable. |
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|
2008 |
Quella Proprietary Blend |
$350 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 94 (6/2011): Full ruby-red color. Very ripe aromas of raspberry, licorice and menthol; this too struck me as claret-like. Sweet and refined in the mouth, already showing superb harmony to its raspberry, redcurrant and graphite flavors. Finishes with suave tannins and Outstanding length. Like the Melbury, this seems balanced to give early pleasure but should have no trouble lasting for 15 to 20 years in bottle. (Incidentally, pHs here were average in 2008 but acids a bit higher, said director of winegrowing Bob Levy, who offered the opinion that 2008 was a bit like 2005 in style.)
WS 94 (11/2011): Firm and structured, with loamy earth, mocha and espresso, this is ripe and lively, with currant, blueberry and wild berry notes that are pleasingly subtle and detailed. Even more expansive and syrupy on the finish. Best from 2012 through 2022. 502 cases made.
WA 93 (12/2011): The 2008 Quella is a dark, brooding wine loaded with super-ripe dark black fruit, smoke, tar and licorice. It is a seriously intense wine that will require bottle age. This is an especially authoritative wine from Bond. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2028.
JS 93 (6/2011): This is the third vintage from this site. Licorice and flowers and lavender aromas. Full body, with super velvety tannins and a medium finish. Lovely wood on the finish. Sandalwood undertone. Give it a year or two to come together more |
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| Bovet (Round Pond) |
2008 |
Rutherford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$80 |
1 |
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| |
| WS 91 (5/2012): Combines richness with restraint, offering bold, loamy earth, dried berry, licorice and tobacco flavors, tightly wound and firming nicely on the finish, where gravelly tannins take hold. Drink now through 2022. 415 cases made. |
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| Caldwell |
2008 |
Clone 181 Merlot |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
|
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2008 |
Clone 400 Caldwell Vyd. Petit Verdot |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
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2008 |
Clone 595 Malbec |
$40 |
1 |
|
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| Dancing Hares |
2008 |
Mad Hatter Proprietary Blend |
$35 |
2 |
|
| |
| WS 88 (5/2011): Rustic and rough-hewn, with chunky, cedary, drying oak touches and dried berry, spice, road tar and mineral. Full-bodied and direct at the expense of finesse and refinement. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2019. 1,500 cases made. |
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| Dominus |
2008 |
Proprietary Blend |
$285 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 99 (12/2010): Made in a more masculine style, the 2008 Dominus has all of that along with bigger body and more structure, fat, density and texture. Both are brilliant wines and they represent the finest back-to-back vintages for Dominus since 2001 and 2002 or 1990 and 1991. Both the 2007 and 2008 Dominus should drink well for 25-30 years.
WS 94 (11/2011): Very Bordeaux-like in its makeup and structure, this firm wine offers good acidity and tight tannins, delivering complex flavors of loamy earth, vivid dried currant and berry, with anise and mineral notes sprinkled in. My favorite young Dominus of late. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2022. 4,500 cases made.
VM 93 (6/2011): (a blend of 83% cabernet sauvignon, 13% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot): Good full red-ruby. Fresher on the nose than the Napanook, showing raspberry, plum, mocha and tobacco aromas. Round and plummy in the mouth, with a restrained sweetness to the flavors of milk chocolate, mocha and licorice. A wine of moderate ripeness for the vintage, and in a shell today. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins and notes of plum, mocha and chocolate. I don't find quite the structure or grip of the best years. |
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| Ehlers Estate |
2008 |
Merlot |
$30 |
1 |
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2008 |
One Twenty Over Eighty Cabernet Sauvignon |
$40 |
1 |
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| Etude |
2008 |
GBR Carneros Red Wine |
$20 |
1 |
|
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| VM 90 (12/2011): The 2008 GBR is a blend of 83% Merlot and 17% Malbec from the estate's Grace Benoist Ranch. Black fruit, tar, smoke, licorice and scorched earth are some of the notes that flesh out in the glass. This gorgeous wine impresses for its inner palate juiciness and depth. (Drink between 2013-2023). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2008 |
Temblor Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$40 |
2 |
|
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| Favia |
2008 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$175 |
1 |
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| |
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| Frank Family |
2008 |
Zinfandel |
$25 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 88 (12/2011): The 2008 Zinfandel shows excellent depth in its sweet red cherries flowers and licorice. This is a subdued style of Zinfandel, yet the wine’s overall balance is quite good. The blend incorporates 16% Petite Sirah. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. |
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|
2008 |
Reserve Zinfandel |
$20 |
2 |
|
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| Grand Reve |
2008 |
Collaboration II Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 94 (6/2011): Showing even better than a year ago, the 2008 Grand Reve Vintners Collaboration Series II Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, a blend of 40% Grenache, 38% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre, and 1% each of Viognier and Roussanne, aged in 30% new French oak, delivers a stunning array of blackberry and cassis fruit, roasted meats, leafy herbs, and black olive on the nose. This is followed by a medium to full bodied wine that is youthful and fresh, possessing a seamless, pure texture, ripe tannin, and a classy, long finish. Evolving beautifully and gaining in both complexity and palate richness, this should continue to drink beautifully for another 10-12 years.
VM 90 (11/2011): Good deep ruby. Sexy, musky aromas of mulberry, mocha and pepper. Sweet and spicy, with peppery lift and nicely integrated acidity giving clarity and grip to this juicy midweight. Hints of herbs and menthol contribute complexity. Finishes with firm tannins and very good persistence. Nicely understated wine in a rather French style. |
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| Grgich Hills |
2008 |
Miljenko’s Old Vine Zinfandel |
$75 |
1 |
|
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| Honig Cellars |
2008 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 89 (12/2011): The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon emerges from the glass with scents of tar, smoke and graphite. It shows more depth, freshness and overall structure than the 2009, with plenty of energy and focus in its fruit. The final blend in 2008 includes 4.5% Petit Verdot. Antonio Galloni. |
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| Larkmead Vineyards |
2008 |
Napa Valley Syrah |
$45 |
2 |
|
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| Migration (Duckhorn) |
2008 |
Anderson Valley Pinot Noir |
$25 |
1 |
|
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| Sawyer Cellars |
2008 |
Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon |
$30 |
3 |
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| Screaming Eagle |
2008 |
Cabernet Sauvignon Lightly Scuffed Label |
$2,850 |
1 |
|
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JS 97 (6/2011): This has a wonderful balance to it. It shows intense aromas of flowers and dark fruits with hints of incense and sandalwood. Changes all the time. Then goes to currants and flowers. Full and firm with a wonderful core of silky tannins that are polished and beautiful. Dark chocolate, vanilla bean, and dark fruit. Solid and firm. You could easy drink this but it has structure for aging as well. 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Caberent Franc and 5% Merlot.
WA 95 (12/2012): The estate’s 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon bursts from the glass with considerable richness and pure depth. The spring frosts lowered yields noticeably resulting in a wine that is a bit darker and heavier than is the norm. The rest of the vintage was on the warmer side, which gave the wine much of its ripeness and body. Mocha, espresso, licorice and sweet spices all wrap around the palate. Next to the other wines in this tasting, the 2008 is a bit burly. The mind-bending finesse of the best vintages is missing. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2028.
VM 96 (6/2011): (a blend of 88% cabernet sauvignon, 8% merlot and 4% cabernet franc): Dark ruby-red. Aromas of crushed blackberry, liquid stone, licorice pastille, violet and graphite. Wonderfully sappy and energetic, with berry, licorice and stone flavors dominating. This extremely suave, sweet cabernet boasts terrific intensity and precision. Finishes with lush tannins and Outstanding persistence. Screaming Eagle will eventually include 10% to 12% cabernet franc, noted winemaker Andy Erickson. Both this vintage and the young 2009 have pHs around 3.7. This wine was a bit disorganized when I tasted it from barrel a year ago but it has turned out splendidly.
WS 94 (11/2011): Offers pure, ripe, perfumed aromas, Ã la Margaux, with tasty plum, blackberry, cherry and spice in an elegant, understated style. Impressive for its delicacy, finesse, detail and persistence. Drink now through 2022. 680 cases made. |
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| Shafer Vineyards |
2008 |
One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon |
$85 |
2 |
|
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| WA 92 (12/2010): The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five should turn out to be just as good. Slightly more powerful with sweeter fruit as well as more glycerin and fat, this is a big, full-bodied Stags Leap Cabernet offering abundant notes of roasted herbs, chocolate, cassis, incense and earth. Drink this deep, powerful 2008 over the next 10-15 years. |
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|
2008 |
Relentless Proprietary Blend |
$185 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95 (12/2010): Another thoroughbred in the making is the 2008 Relentless. Full-bodied with sensational extract and richness, its opaque purple color is followed by terrific smoky barbecue notes, full-bodied opulence and tremendous depth, power and richness. This stunning Syrah can be drunk over the next 15-20 years.
VM 92+ (6/2011): Bright medium ruby. Lively aromas of blackberry, violet and pepper. Juicy and youthfully imploded, with impressive and energy and definition to the flavors of black cherry, spices and pepper; hides its 15.6% alcohol nicely. Less fleshy but more fruity than the 2007 version. Winemaker Fernandez believes that this wine will last longer than the earlier vintage, and noted that the 1999 version is very good right now. This was bottled a month prior to my March visit. |
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| Sine Qua Non |
2008 |
The Duel Syrah Cracked Wax Capsule; Heavily Bin-Soiled Label |
$399 |
1 |
|
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WA 99 (8/2013): A prodigious effort that possesses overflowing richness and depth, the 2008 Syrah The Duel (88% Syrah, 6% Grenache and 6% Viognier, all from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard) delivers an off-the-hook drinking experience with decadent cassis, blackberry, smoked meats, crushed flowers and hints of spice all soaring from the glass. A full-bodied, unctuous Syrah that stays fresh and elegant, with vibrant acidity, it needs a solid decant if drinking anytime soon and will see its 20th birthday in fine form. Drink now-2028.
VM 96 (1/2015): The 2008 Syrah The Duel, from Manfred and Elaine Krankl’s Eleven Confessions Vineyard, is also impossibly young, with little in the way of flavor development. I typically enjoy the Sine Qua Non reds either upon release or around age ten, so I probably should have followed my own advice. The 2008 is beautiful, but it will clearly be even better in another few years’ time. This is one of the most reticent bottles of the 2008 I have tasted. Antonio Galloni.
WS 94 (3/2013): Pure, rich and deeply flavored, centered around ripe, restrained plum and blueberry flavors, with touches of spice, cedar, tobacco and crushed rock. Ends with a subtle, detailed aftertaste. Drink now through 2021. 389 cases made. |
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| Spring Mountain Vineyard |
2008 |
Elivette Proprietary Blend |
$110 |
3 |
|
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| VM 88 (5/2013): (75% cabernet sauvignon, 13% cabernet franc, 6% merlot, 5% petit verdot and 1% malbec): Good medium-dark red. Dark cherry, mocha, tobacco leaf, fresh herbs and a rather intrusive woodsmoke quality on the nose. Fine-grained in texture but with the smoky oak element currently overshadowing red and darker fruit flavors. Owing to its modest sweetness of material, the tannins turn a bit dry with air. Stephen Tanzer. |
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2008 |
Elivette Proprietary Blend Lightly Wine-Stained Label |
$129 |
1 |
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| VM 88 (5/2013): (75% cabernet sauvignon, 13% cabernet franc, 6% merlot, 5% petit verdot and 1% malbec): Good medium-dark red. Dark cherry, mocha, tobacco leaf, fresh herbs and a rather intrusive woodsmoke quality on the nose. Fine-grained in texture but with the smoky oak element currently overshadowing red and darker fruit flavors. Owing to its modest sweetness of material, the tannins turn a bit dry with air. Stephen Tanzer. |
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2008 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
3 |
|
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| VM 88+ (5/2013): Full red-ruby. Black plum, licorice, herbs, menthol, cola and chocolatey oak on the slightly medicinal nose. Intense, rather smooth flavors of kirsch and menthol show less complexity today but a bit more energy and richness than those of the '08 Elivette. Still rather tightly coiled and tannic, with more to come with time in the cellar. Stephen Tanzer. |
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| Stags' Leap Winery |
2008 |
Ne Cede Malis Petite Sirah |
$40 |
1 |
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2008 |
The Leap Cabernet Sauvignon |
$70 |
4 |
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| Sterling Vineyards |
2008 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Franc |
$30 |
1 |
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| Stonestreet |
2008 |
Christophers Cabernet Sauvignon Nicked Label; Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$159 |
1 |
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WA 92+ (2/2011): A similar situation exists with the Cabernet Sauvignons. They are all 100% Cabernet Sauvignons made in 200-case lots, with the exception of the Monument Ridge, and all are aged 18 months in French oak of which 70% is new. There are just too many similarities between them even though they come from various elevations (ranging from 500 feet to as high as 2,400 feet). All the Cabernets are dense, tannic and full-bodied with impressive levels of richness, minerality and blue and black fruits. My favorites include the Christopher’s, Bear Point, Rockfall, and Cougar Ridge. Interestingly, the Monument Ridge and Monolith tasted more tannic, closed and difficult to evaluate. These are big, concentrated Cabernet Sauvignons and even though some of the vineyards are separated by as much as five miles, there is an overall similarity that comes from this Alexander Mountain Estate despite the various elevations and expositions. Perhaps 15-25 years of aging will confirm Jess Jackson’s belief that they are different. That being said, they are all high quality, promising Cabernets that should still be drinking well in 25-30 years.
VM 93 (5/2011): Bright medium ruby. Vibrant aromas of cassis, black cherry, licorice and bitter chocolate are lifted by a piquant note of orange peel. Juicy, perfumed and penetrating, with lovely definition and energy to its pure dark fruit flavors. Finishes with dusty, broad tannins and a hint of youthful austerity. A splendid showing, but lay it down. Stephen Tanzer. |
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| Terlato Vineyards |
2008 |
Episode Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$211.65 |
1 |
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| Twomey Cellars (Silver Oak) |
2008 |
Merlot |
$38 |
1 |
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| Verite |
2008 |
La Joie Proprietary Blend Lightly Bin-Soiled Label; Lightly Nicked Label |
$375 |
1 |
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WA 99 (6/2011): How much fun collectors will have comparing the 2007 and 2008 La Joies over the next three decades. A blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec (48% from Alexander Valley Mountain Estate, 34% from Chalk Hill and 18% from Knight’s Valley), the 2008 has similar technical numbers to the 2007 (a pH of 3.68 and 14.4% alcohol). Wonderful notes of roasted herbs, asphalt, black truffles, blackberries, cassis, camphor and subtle oak are present in the majestic aromatics. In the mouth, the wine is extraordinarily concentrated, pure and dense with amazing length. It is another 30-40 year wine that confirms the confidence the late Jess Jackson had in both his vineyard sources and his winemaker, Pierre Seillan.
VM 94+ (5/2012): Bright medium ruby. Highly aromatic nose and palate combine black fruits, licorice, minerals and bitter chocolate. Round and lush, with terrific intensity but also a distinctly youthful quality that suggests this wine will need patience. Finishes firmly tannic but not dry, with impressive persistence. Beginning with this vintage, Seillan has used a new robotic sorting machine that eliminates berries that are too big or too small.
WS 88 (11/2012): Very dry and earthy, with a strong leathery edge to the crushed rock and dried berry flavors, maintaining a rugged personality on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Best from 2004 through 2014. |
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2008 |
La Muse Proprietary Blend Bin-Soiled Label |
$375 |
1 |
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WA 100 (6/2011): A blend of 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Malbec (52% Chalk Hill, 45% Alexander Mountain Estate and 3% Bennett Valley fruit), the 2008 may have even greater intensity and richness than the 2007. Still young and unformed, it exhibits phenomenal richness and equilibrium as well as a finish that lasts nearly a minute. Its dense plum/purple color is accompanied by notions of black fruits, forest floor, truffles and spring flowers. It should age for 25-30+ years.
VM 93+ (5/2012): (90% merlot, 7% cabernet franc and 3% malbec): Bright red-ruby. Inviting nose offers cherry, raspberry and chocolate truffle. Explosive on the front half, with sexy spices lifting and intensifying the redcurrant fruit. Today the wine's tannins give the finish a slightly dry quality but the intensity and subtle persistence of this wine suggest that it simply needs time. Pierre Seillan typically does a pre-fermentation cold soak lasting four or five days, then about eight days of fermentation and no post-fermentation maceration. The malolactic fermentation takes place in barrels of various toast levels and from numerous French forests.
WS 91 (11/2012): Shows great structure and intensity, with appealing notes of leather and cedar akin to a Bordeaux. Aromas of black cherry and bay leaf lead to firm flavors of plum, dried herb and mineral that finish with firm tannins. Needs time. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Best from 2015 through 2020. |
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