Clark-Claudon Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

2008 Clark-Claudon Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Grown, Napa Valley, CA, $80 (S) – Rating 94

Just an excellent Cabernet from Clark-Claudon Vineyards and the winemaking team of Frederic Delivert and Jean Hoefliger (Alpha Omega Winery). A medium-bodied and elegant Howell Mountain wine from a tough growing year where a late spring frost claimed 50% of the fruit. The wine opens with a rich nose of black cherry enhanced with notes of cedar. The palate is caressed with black cherry, blackberry, cedar and ripe plum supported by integrated tannins and food friendly acidity. Give this lovely a couple of hours to fully express her depth as the notes of cedar give way to softer flavors of chocolate, espresso and cigar box.