Nose
Lots of sweet black fruit, ripe blackberries, Bing cherries, dark chocolate, ripe red rose and their
crushed petals with hints of licorice and cigar box.
Palate
Sweet tannins with hints of cedar, coffee and chocolate cake. Great intensity, full bodied with a
multi-layered mouth feel. The smooth after taste and lingering finish
Growing Conditions
2008 began with intense storms that brought high winds and heavy rains to the region, but that
soon waned and Napa Valley experienced a dry Spring. The drier soils prompted vines to push out early,
providing the “perfect storm” for frigid, dry air to create conditions for the deepest and longest frost
period in decades. As Spring progressed there was cooling and rain at bloom, a relatively cool Summer
delayed verasion, requiring careful crop thinning then a big hot spell came along in early September. The
heat spell ratcheted everyone into high gear as several varieties were coming into ripeness all at once.
The red varieties however benefited from long hang times in warm weather providing excellent ripening
and a balanced structure. While a lighter than average vintage, 2008 looks to be another where vintners
and growers in Napa Valley will continue their well-earned reputation for excellence in the world of
wine.
The Wine: Conn Valley’s Cabernets are made from 100
Appearance
Dark purple
