2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Aida Estate

From the 16-acre Aida Vineyard (a valley floor site with lots of stones and boulders as well as the famed black obsidian rocks), the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Aida Vineyard Estate (85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot and 6% Merlot aged for 20 months in 3/4's new French oak casks) exhibits plenty of earthy, chocolaty notes intertwined with hints of burning embers, camphor and spice. Thick, juicy and very Graves-like for a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, it possesses big body as well as a masculine, bold style. Some tannins kick in in the finish, and this wine will benefit from 3-4 years of bottle age. It should keep for two decades or more. I love this terroir for its distinctive Graves-like character. Proprietors Chuck and Ann McMinn have added another wine to their portfolio of Cru wines. The Cru offerings, which are made from purchased fruit, are meant to be stylish Napa Valley wines that sell for reasonable prices. Presumably, they are aimed at both consumers and restaurants looking for a very good Napa wine that won’t break the bank. Tel. (707) 963-9292; Fax (707) 963-7848

Deep medium ruby. Dark cherry and pungent rocky minerality on the nose. Subdued but smooth, with an enticing sweetness and very good balance to the black cherry and mineral flavors. This has energy and personality, and spreads out impressively to coat the palate on the rising finish. Here the tannins seem more pliant than those of the 2007. Showing very well today: looks to be a very successful vintage for this wine.