Winemaker Notes
2008 is one of my favorite vintages and the '08 Doubleback exhibits every reason why. In the glass the wine has an inky dark color to the rim. The nose is simply gorgeous, leading with floral aromas, cassis and raspberry puree over chocolate, fading to coffee and a hint of pine resin in the background. On the palate, the wine delivers a fantastic purity of fruit across a plush mouth feel which is cut by incredible natural acidity. This year we added Cabernet Sauvignon from the LeFore vineyard grown in "gravels" which builds complexity and adds a savory minerality to the finish of the wine. Slightly more concentrated than the '07 Doubleback, I believe this wine will age beautifully for 20+ years but is drinking fantastic right now.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The fruit for the 2008 Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from four prominent Walla Walla vineyards with the final blend consisting of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, and 7% Petit Verdot aged in 60% new French oak for 22 months. A total of 900 cases were produced. Notes of pain grille, pencil lead, Asian spices, incense, violets, black cherry, and a hint of chocolate inform the nose of a dense, smooth-textured, suave, beautifully balanced wine that will reward 4-5 years of cellaring. It offers a drinking window extending from 2015 to 2028.
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Wine Enthusiast
Not a lot of wood scents are showing, though the aging took place in roughly 50% new oak barrels. This has forward, pretty black fruits, juicy acids, some still-unresolved astringency, and aromatically it incorporates a nice herbal note, reminiscent of green tea. Still too young to drink, and the rating could go higher with more bottle age.
Cellar Selection -
Wine Spectator
Broad, ripe and generous, with a weightless feel to the dense cherry, blackberry and herb flavors, mingling effortlessly with fine tannins on the long finish. Should age to an elegant style. Drink now through 2020. 900 cases made.
POE113992_2008 Item# 113992