2008 IL BARONE, Magnum

♦ International Wine Review (93 Points) - The opaque ruby, slightly brooding Il Barone is the masculine counterpart to La Castellana showing inky aromas of black fruit with charred oak and violet notes. Made from 100 percent estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine shows great volume in the mouth, a smooth and beautifully structured palate with nice minerality and ripe, firm tannins on a very long finish. To be released in 2012, this wine has a long life ahead of it. ♦ Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate (92 Points) - The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Il Barone (91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, and 4 % Petit Verdot) is a selection of the estate’s finest lots of Cabernet Sauvignon. Graphite, creame de cassis, black currant and spice box aromas jump from the glass of this opaque ruby/purple-colored 2008. Expansive, rich, authoritative and elegant, with impressive texture and length as well as sweet tannin, it will be even better in 3-4 years, and should last for 15+. Drink 2013 – 2028. ♦ Cabernet Shootout, Affairs of the Vine (91 Points) - Smoky, cherry aromas. The nose is very pretty. The palate is complex – earthy with tart cranberry, cedar, chewy plum, and leather. The long finish shows lots of black cherry and a hint of blackjack chewing gum (anise-like). Lovely mouth watering acid. Bright cherry and raspberry on the nose. Nice balance of fruit and oak on the palate. Classic Cab style. Tobacco, cola, and black tea notes round out the mellow finish. (287 wines tasted, Il Barone in the TOP 32)