2007 Morlet Family Cabernet Sauvignon Passionnement

The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Passionnement (100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Oakville Corridor) exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as an extraordinary bouquet of graphite, cassis, cedar, and ink, full-bodied power, and huge tannins and density. However, the wine’s velvety structure means it can be drunk in 2-3 years or cellared for 25+. This is a brilliant portfolio of wines from Frenchman Luc Morlet. Production for these cuvees ranges from a low of 75 cases for several of the Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, to a high of 660 cases for the Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc/Muscadelle blend called La Proportion Doree. Only indigenous yeasts are used in the fermentations as well as 100% French oak barrels, there is no fining or filtration, and all the wines are made with a hand-crafted zeal for high quality. The 2007 and 2008 Chardonnays would make a tremendous comparative tasting to decide which vintage turned out better. In most cases, 2007 gets the nod, but at this estate, it’s pretty much a dead heat. I suspect the only way to secure any of the Morlet Family Vineyards’ wines is to get on their mailing list. Tel. (707) 967-8690; Fax (707) 967-8590

(a selection of Morlet's best barrels) Good full red-ruby. Aromatic nose combines blackcurrant, loam and black tea. Ripe, rich and dry, with a seamless texture to the flavors of dark berries, licorice, cedar and blond tobacco. There's a juicy, gentle quality to the middle palate. The long, perfumed finish features smooth, sweet, building tannins and an almost candied suggestion of quince paste. This represents a blend of fruit from To-Kalon and another Oakville Bench source, plus Knights Valley.