4 | Wine | United States, 6 L

"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." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"Musky aromas of cassis, licorice, game, tobacco leaf and subtle brown spices. Velvety-sweet and deep, with hints of tobacco leaf, mint and herbs giving definition to the middle palate. Nicely bright but youthfully tight wine, finishing with broad tannins." Reviewed by Stephen Tanzer.

"Black raspberry, red- and blackcurrants and dark chocolate on the nose, plus hints of mint and green tobacco. Juicy, fruit-driven flavors of dark berries and cocoa powder, complicated by a whiff of meat. Offers classic '97 texture and sweetness. Ripe acids carry the fruit. Finishes with firm but smooth tannins and a note of Cuban tobacco." Reviewed by Stephen Tanzer.

""Dark berries, black cherry and licorice on the nose, with a less exaggerated oak element. ...despite the fact that this was aged in 95% new American barrels. Not particularly sweet, but the mid-palate offers better grip and lift than the 2004, with laid-back flavors of currant, plum and tobacco leaf. Finishes with substantial, slightly dry tannins and good persistence." Reviewed by Stephen Tanzer.

"Our 2008 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a dark, rich full-bodied wine with great tannic structure and mouth-feel. It has a garnet color and a nose of ripe boysenberries, cherry liqueur, dark chocolate, sandalwood and a hint of roasting meat. On the palate, it is mouth-coating and incredibly rich in umami. It has a very long, savory finish with the slight grip of fine-grained tannins. Given proper cellaring, this wine should give drinking pleasure through 2030."

"A barrel sample of the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection offers terrific fruit intensity and purity, a more laid-back style, a meaty, chewy texture, and impressive opulence as well as length. It should evolve for 10-15 years." 92-94 pts. Reviewed by Robert Parker

"The Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve has also turned out strong, with sweet creme de cassis fruit intermixed with incense, charcoal, and hints of asphalt and creosote, along with some subtle smoky barrel smells. The wine has a big, substantial mouthfeel, firm but sweet tannins, and a generous, savory finish with outstanding purity and extract. This wine is more backward, as one might expect in this vintage, but it promises to evolve for 25+ years as well." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"Exhibits a big, sweet, cedary, roasted herb, mocha, black cherry liqueur, black currant, and earth-scented perfume. Medium to full-bodied with silky tannin as well as a luscious mouthfeel and finish, it should be more accessible in its youth than many of its predecessors, but easily last for two decades." Reviewed by Robert Parker.