93 Points - Wine Enthusiast
2008 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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This is a delicious wine blended to showcase the rich diversity of great Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
Wine Enthusiast
93
Connoisseurs' Guide
92
Wine Profile
Production Notes
Varietal Content: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot; Cooperage: 100% French oak château-style barrels (60 gallons); Age of Barrels: 40% New, 60% Second Vintage
Winemaker Notes
The aromas offer intense layers of dark briar fruit complemented by creamy mocha, clove, vanilla and a hint of Chinese allspice. The flavors fill the palate with layers of Bing cherry, plum, cranberry, cola and cedar, as well as more woodsy elements. The oak is elegantly integrated, and creamy tannins frame the wine’s rich, fruit finish.
Production
Though the 2008 growing season presented certain challenges—from early frosts to drought conditions—a meticulous approach to viticulture and sorting yielded small crops with good concentration, highlighting soft, appealing tannins for our red varietals and bright acidity for our white grapes. A long, moderately cool summer led to a harvest that commenced in mid-August and concluded in early November. This relatively relaxed pace allowed us to pick in numerous passes to ensure quality, often focusing on individual rows or a single side of the vines.
Other Notes
Released: September 2011
Wine Specs
Wine Specs
Vintage
2008
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation
Napa Valley
Harvest Date
August 29 - November 7, 2008
Sugar
27.4° Brix
Acid
0.62 g/100ml Titratable Acidity
pH
3.52
Aging
16 Months in Barrel
Bottling Date
May 2010
Alcohol %
14.5
Wine Enthusiast
93
Connoisseurs' Guide
92