The exquisite 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Passionnement, my favorite of this trio, is a 250-case cuvee of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. It boasts an opaque purple color along with an extraordinary perfume of graphite, blueberries, blackberries, flowers and cassis intermixed with hints of white chocolate and toast. The wine possesses terrific concentration, full-bodied power and a stunning, multidimensional mouthfeel and finish. This exceptional wine should drink well for 30+ years. One of northern California’s most talented wine producers is Frenchman Luc Morlet, who is also a consultant at Peter Michael Winery where his brother is firmly in charge. All of his Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays from the Sonoma Coast and Russian River as well as his Syrahs from Bennett Valley will be reviewed in the February, 2011 issue. His extraordinary Cabernet Sauvignon portfolio include two offerings from Oakville (which emerge from the Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard) and one from Knight’s Valley. The stunning 2008s are as good if not better than the Morlet 2007s. The 2009s appear to be among the most promising wines of the vintage which will be much more irregular than the 2007s or even the 2008s in Napa. Tel. (707) 967-8690

The exquisite 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Passionnement, my favorite of this trio, is a 250-case cuvee of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. It boasts an opaque purple color along with an extraordinary perfume of graphite, blueberries, blackberries, flowers and cassis intermixed with hints of white chocolate and toast. The wine possesses terrific concentration, full-bodied power and a stunning, multidimensional mouthfeel and finish. This exceptional wine should drink well for 30+ years. One of northern California’s most talented wine producers is Frenchman Luc Morlet, who is also a consultant at Peter Michael Winery where his brother is firmly in charge. All of his Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays from the Sonoma Coast and Russian River as well as his Syrahs from Bennett Valley will be reviewed in the February, 2011 issue. His extraordinary Cabernet Sauvignon portfolio include two offerings from Oakville (which emerge from the Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard) and one from Knight’s Valley. The stunning 2008s are as good if not better than the Morlet 2007s. The 2009s appear to be among the most promising wines of the vintage which will be much more irregular than the 2007s or even the 2008s in Napa.Tel. (707) 967-8690