2008 Hundred Acre, Kayli Morgan Vineyard, Napa Valley, Case of 6 btls

Bright medium red. Subtly complex aromas of black raspberry, blackberry, dusty cocoa powder, toffee and licorice; I often find a Pomerol quality to this wine, despite the fact that it's 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Wonderfully suave and seamless, with a thickness of texture leavened by firm acidity and a hint of herbs. Really lovely class and energy here, in spite of its almost confectionery sweetness. More tightly wound and delineated than the Ark, with darker berry, plum, licorice, toffee and flavors enlivened by minerality and a touch of herbs. This still-youthful wine has loosened up a bit since I last tasted it as part of a spectacular horizontal tasting two years ago and finishes quite harmonious, with serious ripe tannins and integrated acidity. As ripe and thick as this is, there's a soil-driven, savory, claret-like character that's captivating. Offers a lighter touch than the Ark. This held up beautifully in the recorked bottle, showing a liqueur-like, velvety sweetness without ever becoming heavy.