2008 Vineyard 7 & 8 Cabernet Sauvignon 7

The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon 7 is a huge, dark brooding wine full of mountain tannin. It reveals fabulous intensity and raciness in its black fruit, smoke, incense, menthol, smoke and tar. The tannins remain quite muscular and tannic. This powerful wine needs a few more years in bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026. Winemaker Luc Morlet started making the wines at Vineyard 7 & 8 in 2007. There seems to be a clear progression in the quality of the wines since then. Morlet introduced Clone 4 Cabernet Sauvignon, which he likes for its mid-palate sweetness and depth. In 2009 Morlet also eliminated pump-overs and began working with punch-downs exclusively for the Cabernets, all decisions made with the aim of trying to tame some of the Spring Mountain tannin. Based on what I tasted, the Cabernets are much more interesting than the Chardonnays. The Chardonnay 8 is made from a vineyard in Russian River planted with Wente clones, while the Chardonnay Estate is made from old Wente clones planted on Spring Mountain. Both wines are made with native yeasts, natural malolactic fermentations, and are bottled unfined and unfiltered. The Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is made from the older vines on the property, while the 7 is made from younger vines and some purchased fruit from a nearby vineyard. Tel. (707) 963-9425, info@vineyard7and8.com

Bright, deep ruby-red. Musky aromas of currant, beefsteak tomato, chocolate and nutty oak; less complex and vibrant than the Estate bottling. Broad and silky but quite dry on the palate, with plum and chocolate flavors along with a light mineral note. I'd like to have seen some more primary fruit character. Finishes with substantial dusty, drying tannins and a lingering chocolate note. I'm not sure where this can go in bottle.