Honig Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2008

Firm and well-structured, delivering a tight, focused core of mineral, dried berry, spicy mocha, cedar and oak. But whatrsquo;s most impressive is the balance of texture, flavor and weight. A fine Cabernet. Drink now through 2018.

Blackberry, plum and cherry notes are framed with hints of exotic spices, and perfectly balanced by sweet oak. The palate is full and rich, with structured tannins and a long finish.

Somehow Honig's well-made, organic Napa wines have managed to stay under the radar, but this Cabernet is certainly worth discovering: it has a deep, ruby-red color and a complex bouquet. On the palate, we got flavors of black cherry, cocoa, spice, and green tea. This is aged for 20 months in American oak barrels, only 30% of which are new. Well-balanced and well-structured.

Winemaker Notes - Black cherry and blueberry fruit with hints of exotic spices are perfectly balanced by sweet oak. The palate is full and rich with moderate tannins and a long finish. Enjoyable now or can be cellared through 2016 and beyond.

A drink-me-now style thatrsquo;s ripe and plush, with complex oak, black currant, cherry, plum, cola and dill flavors that extend on the ripe, fleshy finish. Drink now through 2003.

The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon is a solid value from Napa Valley. Earthy black currant and cherry fruit as well as hints of smoke and underbrush emerge from this superficial, but pleasant, monolithic red. Drink it over the next 4ndash;8 years.

Rich scents of new oak cover this wine when first poured, the black fruit hidden under the oakrsquo;s tarry tannins. As the wood and grape tannins grow gentler with air, the plummy fruit comes forward and the wine feels sleek. Open this eight years from the vintage, with a grilled sirloin.