The 2008 has completely shut down, no doubt because of its striking minerality. Coming in at 14.5% natural alcohol and cropped at 21 hectoliters per hectare, it is extremely concentrated, tannic and broodingly backward. On each of the three occasions I tasted it the wine was difficult to penetrate because of its tannic structure. Nevertheless, there is plenty of weight, purity, texture and length. This 2008 is only for patient connoisseurs who are willing to give it 7-8 years of bottle age. It should last for 25+ years and may possibly eclipse the 2010.

Soft and forward, displaying friendly strawberry, cherry and raspberry notes backed by a hint of sweet spice on the light toasty finish. Drink now. 1,250 cases made. -JM