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.

Robert Parker | 100 RP

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Immediately on the nose, there is a beautiful freshness, more of the classic Merlot leafiness, like freshly picked berries. The texture is plush, silky, packed tannins that have melted into each other to create spongy layers of goodness. The flavours are reminiscent of plum compote with a hit of spice and premium baker’s cocoa nibs. The intensity of youth is just beginning to fade to a more harmonious, elegant adulthood. The finish is long, concentrated and lasting, leaving the palate perfumed with red fruit and rose petals.

Decanter | 96 DEC

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(15% alcohol): Bright, saturated ruby-red. Alluring scents of black raspberry, bitter cherry, mocha, cocoa powder and smoky minerality. At once fine-grained and vibrant in the mouth, with an element of dried herbs complicating the very bright dark raspberry, bitter chocolate and licorice flavors. Offers bulletproof density but no undue weight, thanks to enlivening minerality and sound acidity. This wine is just beginning to unfold today and still needs to be held. Tannins are firm and dusty but not dry.

Vinous Media | 93+ VM

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A pinch of hard tannins gives this bone-dry young wine an astringent toughness. It shows very fine, concentrated black-cherry, cocoa and crème de cassis flavors. Aging in almost 100% new French oak adds notes of toast that the fruit easily tolerates. Nearly all Merlot, it's a wine of considerable volume, but nowhere near ready to drink. Give it at least six years in a proper cellar, and it could be one of the rare Merlot-based California wines capable of extended aging.

Wine Enthusiast | 93 WE

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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.

Wine Spectator | 91 WS

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