"Beautifully crafted, rich, intense and powerful, yet supple, graceful and polished, offering a generous core of spicy blackberry, black licorice, wild berry and light cedary notes. Full-bodied and expressive, this is both approachable now and sure to improve for several years. Drink now through 2020" 94 Points- JL-Wine Spectator "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. The tannins are velvety soft and the wine is beautifully textured and full-bodied. It is ideal for drinking now and over the next 15 years." 94 Points- Robert Parker "The rich, deep ruby color reflects the magnificent depth this wine has to offer. Lush aromas of ripe black currant, black cherry and cedary oak add luxurious notes to the intense core flavors of fully ripe cassis, wild red berry, mocha and light vanilla. Polished tannins, a full-bodied mouthfeel and velvety texture weave seamlessly to support these vivid fruit impressions to the end." -Winemaker's Notes