Col Solare 2008

Vineyard sources for Col Solare are evolving as the recently planted estate vineyard comes into bearing. This vintage incorporates fruit from several Red Mountain vineyards, though not Col Solare itself, along with lots from elsewhere around the state. Toasty and full-bodied, two-thirds Cabernet, the rest Merlot, Cab Franc and Syrah, this is a nicely blended wine but not yet showing the precision and structural detail of the superTuscans it is modeled upon.

A layer of gritty tannins wraps around a generous, silky core of ripe currant and blackberry flavors in this firm red, with a hint of mint as the smoky finish persists. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah. Best from 2013 through 2018. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.

With soil-like aromas grounding scents of India ink and black plum, this is a powerful Red Mountain blend of cabernet, merlot, franc and syrah. Its flavors are in their infancy — the plum and cassis fruit sleek and sinewy, the tannins doing the driving at the moment. With air the dark fruit bulks up and muscles in on the tannins with a juicy freshness. Still a long way from peak expression. Cellar, then serve with a steak.

From an extended vintage that saw solid hang time, the 2008 Col Solare (67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 3% Syrah) shows a cool, elegant profile with black currant, mineral, smoke, wild herbs and graphite along with a medium to full-bodied, fresh and pure palate. Featuring clean, integrated acidity and a layered, pure profile, it has the structure to continue evolving gracefully for another decade or more. Drink now–2023.

Bright ruby-red. Aromas of black plum, dark raspberry, black cherry, minerals and spices. Lush, rich and deep but not overly sweet; in fact, this is quite backward today, showing strong medicinal reserve to its black cherry and mineral flavors. Finishes broad but clenched, with big, tongue-dusting tannins that call for a good five to seven years of cellaring.