Just an excellent Cabernet from Clark-Claudon Vineyards and the winemaking team of Frederic Delivert and Jean Hoefliger (Alpha Omega Winery). A medium-bodied and elegant Howell Mountain wine from a tough growing year where a late spring frost claimed 50% of the fruit. The wine opens with a rich nose of black cherry enhanced with notes of cedar. The palate is caressed with black cherry, blackberry, cedar and ripe plum supported by integrated tannins and food friendly acidity. Give this lovely a couple of hours to fully express her depth as the notes of cedar give way to softer flavors of chocolate, espresso and cigar box.

Just broke open your 2008 Estate Cab...nothing short of spectacular! It's very seldom you find this level of mastery in a 100% Cab varietal...that you're able to extract such wonderous complexity from it is a testimony to your passion and incredible skill. Bravo gentlemen! I am your eternal advocate from here on out! :)

— Robert Ruffin, Georgia

92

POINTS

The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon is an attractive wine laced with sweet grilled herbs, dark cherries, plums, espresso and tobacco. It shows plenty of nuance and delineation. The mid-weight structure suggests it is best enjoyed over the next handful of years. The 2008 spent two years in French oak, 65% new. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018.

Vintage 2008 was not an easy one for Clark-Caudon. The estate lost 50% of their crop during the spring frost. The resulting wine, though, is fabulous.