The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon reveals more creme de cassis and black currant characteristics along with good acidity, sweet tannin and a Bordeaux Right Bank aromatic and flavor profile. Soft, round and less structured than the vintages of 20 years ago, it should drink nicely for 10-15 years. Newton has a brilliant history of making very long-lived wines (their 1991s and 1992s are still showing well), although the current vintages seem slightly more developed and forward than those earlier years. Nonetheless, they are noteworthy efforts. They have always done an exceptional job with Merlot, largely because Newton was one of Napa Valley’s early clients of Bordeaux’s famed Michel Rolland. Tel. (707) 963-9000; Fax (707) 963-5408

A soft, fleshy wine to drink now. It has a fancy mouthfeel, with a firm hit of tannins and acidity, and lush flavors of blackberries, cherries, cola and spices. ——S.H.(11/1/2011)—— 87