2008 Kongsgaard Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
(100% cabernet sauvignon): Bright, full ruby-red. Black cherry, plum and musky oak on the nose; less minerally than the 2009. Sweet, plummy and rather easygoing, but with sappy acidity giving shape to the middle palate and perfume to the very long finish. Tannins are perfectly buffered by the wine's fruit, giving this wine strong early appeal. Kongsgaard keeps his cabernets on their skins for five or six weeks, with the temperature kept from exceeding 82 degrees, "in order to make wines with energy, and with tannins that are plush but not aggressive." (ST)
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Saturated, deep ruby-red. Black fruits and licorice on the nose, lifted by a violet perfume. Sexy on entry, then suave and bright in the middle, showing less sheer volume than the 2007 but terrific energy and lovely breadth. This is showing a distinctly smiley face today in spite of its definition, cut and underlying minerality. The long, mounting finish throws off complex notes of spices, anise and minerals. "This offers an unusually broad entry for our wines," notes Kongsgaard. Next to this, the 2007 comes off as almost rigid today.
From lower yields, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon is more monolithic, offering dark fruits, hints of espresso roast and chocolate, and sweet tannins. However, it does not appear to have the level of complexity or the aging potential of the 2007. Nevertheless, it should drink nicely for 12-15 years. (Not yet released) From a top vintage for proprietor/winemaker John Kongsgaard, the 2007 Chardonnays are among the finest he has made to date. They combine great richness and bold flavor profiles with extraordinary minerality and definition. One-hundred percent whole clusters are used for the Syrahs, and Kongsgaard’s Syrahs have a very distinctive style. Fax: (707) 963-4512