The 2008 Estate Red is a blend of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Malbec, 15% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 2% Syrah and 2% Carmenere. This full-throttle, opulent red caresses the palate with silky dark fruit, exotic spices, chocolate, camphor, licorice and tar. There is nothing subtle about the Estate Red, yet all of the elements are nicely balanced through to the rich, sumptuous finish. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2018. Tel. (707) 838-4306

A bit hot, with 15.6% alcohol by volume, which compromises the mouthfeel. That’s despite some delicious blackberry, cherry and chocolate flavors. Drink now.——S.H.(12/15/2011)—— 87

Perhaps the finest Estate Red to date is the 2007. Its dense ruby/purple hue is followed by blackberry, cassis, cedar, and licorice characteristics, supple tannins, a more accessible personality, full body, and admirable purity, texture, and length. Drink this beauty over the next 2-3 decades. This may be the finest portfolio of Chalk Hill wines I have yet tasted. All are super-impressive with beautiful purity, balance, texture, and complexity. There are just under 200 cases of one of the rarest dry white wines readers will find in California. Barrel samples of the 2008 Estate Red and Syrah Estate look nearly as impressive as the 2007s.Tel. (707) 838-4306; Fax (707) 838-9687