2008 Hundred Acre "Ark Vineyard" Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

“Deserves its high score by virtue of power and sheer flamboyant dazzle. Packed with ripe, sweet cherries and milk chocolate, with a decadently meaty taste, like beef tartare. Oak plays the usual role, adding a caramelly, buttered toast richness. The tannins are brilliant, so soft and sweet, they’re like candy.” (02/2012)

“Beautifully done in an ultraripe style. Gushing, with a jammy berry pie mix of wild berry, blackberry and raspberry flavors that are complex and supple. Full-bodied, gaining depth and richness on the long, persistent, tapered finish, which echoes black licorice, loamy earth and spice. (JL)” (11/2011)

“The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Ark Vineyard has a medium garnet color and nose of cherry cordial, cassis and blueberry compote with fragrant earth, candied violets and crushed rocks nuances. The palate is full-bodied, rich, elegant and firm with a lovely graininess and bold freshness, finishing very long and earthy. (LPB)” (12/2018)

“Saturated dark red. Almost port-like ripeness to the aromas of currant, tobacco, plum jam, mocha and spices, plus a hint of caramelized steak; more red than black in its fruit character. Like liquid silk in the mouth, conveying an almost exotic liqueur-like sweetness plus a truffley hint to the flavors of dried berries, toffee and spices. Amazingly rich yet with good mineral lift to buffer its sweetness. A wonderfully smooth wine with a broad, long finish featuring substantial dusty tannins that saturate the front teeth. (ST)” (05/2018)