Tasting Notes

WA96

The Shiels' flagship 2007 DuBrul Vineyard Cote Bonneville is 57% Cabernet Sauvignon and 43% Merlot, Cabernet Franc never having come into question for this bottling since only parcels are featured that they consider have optimum soil and exposure, and none of those happen to feature any Franc. (I find myself, though, wishing that it were otherwise, and wondering what the results would taste like.) There are 445 cases this year, and as usual the elevage was in 100% new wood, though this isn't obvious from its taste. Fennel; partly caramelized yet still pungent parsnip; smoky black tea; cedar; sealing wax, and iodine are among the diverse elements evoked alongside cherry and black currant in a performance that's already striking on the nose and is then enhanced by fine-grained, supportive tannin and a vibrant retention of primary fruit juiciness on a silken palate. As this takes on air, a haunting perfume of iris and ginseng emerges inner-mouth. Saline and nutty savor serve for saliva-inducement, while piquancy of cherry stone adds to the elements rendering this wine's extraordinary finish – rich and palate coating though it also is – utterly invigorating in a way one seldom encounters from a Cabernet-based red.

WS93

Aromatic, fresh and vibrant, focusing its raspberry, cherry, thyme and framed white chocolate flavors against refined tannins, lingering on the deftly balanced, harmonious finish. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

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