2008 Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon

(Andy Erickson took over winemaking responsibilities here with the '07 harvest; no frost here in 2008): Healthy dark red. Sexy aromas of dark raspberry, mocha, spices, licorice, herbs, truffle, oak and caramel tightened up in the glass. Wonderfully smooth, glossy and harmonious, but the wine's floral and minty notes provide sappiness and definition too, and the slightly edgy tannins call for some additional patience. Winemaker Erickson told me that he has always viewed 2008 "in terms of softness and generosity more than density and structure. It was a long season and one feels the wine's plumpness and ripeness."

(includes 22% cabernet franc): Medium red. Pretty, aromatic nose offers redcurrant, dried herbs, iron and mint lifted by a floral topnote. Dense but light on its feet; really sappy and alive, with lovely energy at its core. Finishes with firm, building tannins and excellent length.

The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits a wonderful suppleness and forwardness that is almost atypical for these wines that have such a great track record for standing the test of time. Its dark ruby/purple color is accompanied by aromas of Christmas fruitcake, cedarwood, camphor, black currants and black cherries. The wine has a luscious texture, good opulence and flesh, and a heady finish. It should drink well for 12-15 years. One of the iconic wines of Napa Valley is Dalla Valle's blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon (usually at least 50% Cabernet Franc), Maya. As history has proven, Cabernet Franc has flourished in the red soils above the Oakville Corridor. One can go back twenty years and find these wines still youthful with perhaps 40-50 years of total life in them. Tel. (707) 944-2676; Fax (707) 944-8411