The 2008 Futo is a blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, which is slightly modified from the barrel sample I tasted last year. It reveals aromas of blueberries, raspberries, crushed rocks, graphite, black currants and forest floor. The complex aromatics are followed by a wine displaying wonderful sweetness, a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel and admirable depth and power as well as finesse. This deep, promising 2008 is already concentrated and approachable. (RP) 95+

Saturated dark ruby to the rim! Inky, primary aromas of cassis, blackberry, blueberry, violet, bitter chocolate and licorice; about as black as Cabernet can be but with very good lift. Densely packed but juicy and light on its feet, with the slightly herbal quality of the vintage energizing the middle palate. But there's also a lovely creamy sweetness verging on confectionary here. Following the bottling in 2010 I liked this wine a lot but found it quite closed and tannic. Today it's still a primary fruit bomb but it's a more harmonious wine with a seriously tannic but lively finish and palate-staining length. Hands off for at least a few more years. (ST)