BY WINEMAKER FREDRIK JOHANSSON

2008 was a challenging yet rewarding year. The winter rains stopped completely after January and set us up for a long dry summer that was preceded by one of the worst frost seasons on record. The lack of rain and the intensity of the frost resulted in a growing season defined by vineyard stress, consistent though not excessive heat and heartbreakingly low yields yet our vineyard crew was able to deftly manage these conditions and provided us with small-berried fruit of great intensity and character.

A heady and exotic nose of sweet dark fruits dominated by blackberry and blackcurrant is punctuated by pungent notes of sweet, fresh tobacco, dried citrus rind and highlighted by generous wisps of menthol and camphor that fill the glass, giving way to a palate rich with sweet, black fruits and freshly tilled soil emboldened with cracked pepper and savory black olives. Unctuous and wonderfully mouth coating now, this dense and complex wine will continue to evolve and open for many more years to come.

Release Date: October 1, 2011
Harvest Dates: September 12 - October 20
Barrel Aging: 22 months
Oak: 100% French: 97% new, 3% used
Blend: 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc, 17% Merlot
Alcohol: 14.9%

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