the 2008 vintage presented challenges for cabernet sauvignon, but this cabernet franc-based blend succeeds wildly. it's bone dry, tannic and enormously complex, with flavors of sour-cherry candy, red currant, licorice and spicy cola. ninety-five percent new oak lends this a wonderful toastiness. few wines could handle that much new wood, but this one can. however, it's very tannic. you can drink it now, but it should blossom after 2014.
Le Desir