The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate (89% Cabernet Sauvignon 6% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot aged 20 months in 60% new French oak) reveals a Medoc-like nose of cedarwood damp earth black currants and hints of bay leaf and unsmoked cigar tobacco. Opulence purity and density combined with a thick full-bodied mouthfeel and a superb finish all suggest a wine that can be drunk now or cellared for two decades. When people talk about the greatest vineyards of Napa Valley Larkmead has to be among the top half dozen or so terroirs. This historic vineyard dates back to the late 1800s and has been owned by the Solari family (currently Cam Baker and Kate Solari Baker) since 1948. The well-known Andy Smith is the consulting winemaker (he is also the force behind some of the brilliant wines of DuMol in the Russian River Valley). Larkmead has been making terrific wines over the last 5-6 years but the 2007s were the finest wines I have ever tasted from this estate. The 2008s are very close in quality to the 2007s and every 2008 performed better from bottle than it did last year from barrel (always a good sign).