Long Shadows owner Allen Shoup worked with Randy Dunn (of Dunn Vineyards) to produce this pure Cabernet Sauvignon. Very spicy nose with strong cinnamon over black fruits and a fair amount of oak. Tight and finely grained, it is powerful but not massive. Finish is again very tight.
A joint venture with the Folonari brothers of Tuscany, it is a blend of roughly equal amounts of Cab Sauv and Sangiovese, plus 19% Syrah. Ripe nose of black fruits with well-controlled oak. Velvety texture with a firm backbone and lots of fruity expression in the glass. Perfect with filet mignon.
Here is an approachable and fruit-driven Cab with plums, blackberries and raspberries combining with the mocha, coffee and toast of the barrel. Mid-weight, supple tannins and excellent length allow for immediate consumption.
John Duval of Penfolds fame joined in on this effort. Very dark colour with a ruby-purplish rim, its nose is seductive. Blackcurrant and other black fruits and a touch of cinnamon from the moderate oak make its ripe but fresh nose. Rather thick texture, rich fruity extract and lots of roundness on the palate. Delicious.
I must admit a certain fondness for the Darioush. The wines, the gorgeous Persian palace–inspired winery and the staff are all top notch. That being said, their 08 Cab Sauv is truly impressive. Full-bodied and opaque, it unleashes a powerful nose of crème de cassis, blackberries, prunes, smoke, anise, cocoa and mint/cedar. The tannins will ensure 15 years of longevity.
The 2008 “regular” Cabernet Sauvignon is a concentrated and structured wine that pushes 15% alcohol. Full-bodied, it exudes blackberries, dark cherries, spice and cocoa. The tannins are very much present and somewhat dry at this point, so hold it for 2 years and then drink it until 2024.
The 2008 Profile, the finest that has ever crossed my lips, is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot, 6% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. Simply put, it is a gorgeous, ripe, concentrated and polished red with loads of dark berry fruit, earth, cocoa, vanilla, toast and spice. The finish lingers and lingers. Even though it is approachable, another couple of years in the bottle will further enhance its delight. Drink it from 2014 to 2030.