1 | Wine | Page 368

"The tannins are velvety soft and the wine is beautifully textured and full-bodied. The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection is the first example of this cuvee to include Merlot (about 14%) in the blend. The Merlot component has given the wine a cocoa/chocolate nuance to its black currant, licorice-infused fruit. It is ideal for drinking now and over the next 15 years." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"Pie spices, huckleberry and leather on the nose, with caramel, raspberries and ripe plums, a bit of toasty barrel smoke giving way to lucious, velvety tannins and a length finish".

"This glorious offering possesses sweet tobacco leaf, black currant, mocha, white chocolate, scorched earth and burning ember-like characteristics. Full-bodied, stunningly rich and exceptionally well-endowed, this blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc demands 2-3 years of additional bottle age. It should age gracefully for 35-40 years."

"The delightful 2010 Chardonnay has a light floral bouquet with white flower, apricot and a touch of lemon curd all with fine delineation. The palate is simple but well crafted with good acidity and crisp, vanilla tinged fruit towards the finely tuned honeysuckle finish."