2008 Fortification Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
Spicy red and black fruits, smoked tobacco, sweet cigar smoke, chocolate-covered orange, sappy herbs, and floral notes all define the bouquet of the 2008 Fortification, which has a sensational palate with full-bodied richness, a deep, layered mouthfeel, flawless overall balance, and a gorgeous finish. Building beautifully with time in the glass, this sensational complex, layered fortified wine has another two decades of prime drinking.
Critic scores
Average Score
The Wine Advocate
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Pale to medium garnet-tawny colored, the 2008 Fortification opens with flamboyant mincemeat pie, wilted roses, chocolate mint, star anise and mocha scents over a crème de cassis and blueberry pie-scented core with hints of tapenade and smoked bacon. Full-bodied with well-knit sweetness and freshness, the palate is a super concentrated and multilayered powerhouse of flavor, providing a plush texture and compelling brandy-laced finish of epic proportions. Beautiful!
Additional proof that maverick genius Jayson Woodbridge is at the top of his game, the 2008 Fortification is another perfect fortified wine. It offers up notes of white flowers, blackberry liqueur, charcoal embers, licorice and chocolate as well as a striking resemblance to one of my favorite dark roast coffees from the Death Wish Coffee Company. Inky, rich and full-bodied with smooth, silky tannins, and gorgeously integrated brandy which does not burn or come across as rough or astringent (even in such a young fortified wine), this utterly profound wine should age for 50 or more years.