"At points rustic, with firm, chewy tannins, but the core of wild berry, spice, cedar and mineral flavors are complete and complex, with the tannins giving the flavors traction on the finish. Drink now through 2020. 300 cases made. " (WS)
"The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Papa’s Knoll is a big, juicy wine that saturates the palate with dark fruit. This is a fairly obvious style but a highly attractive, unfussy wine all the same. Sweet spices and licorice wrap around the caressing finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. " (WA)
"This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is sweet and ripe in blackberry jam, cassis and smoky oak flavors. The structure is soft in acids and tannins. Lacks some dry complexity, but will dazzle fans of this rich, modern style." (WE)
Winery Notes:
What is Papa's Knoll and where is it located? Named after the landform in front of "Papa's" (John Buehler, Sr.) house, this is our oldest Cabernet Sauvignon block. The face of the knoll is steeply terraced with an easterly exposure; the top of the knoll is best described as a shallow bowl with no rim on the south side. This three acre block was planted in 1971 and is the only dry-farmed Cabernet block on the estate.
Tasting Observations:The color is skewed to the blue end of the Cabernet spectrum and is opaque in nature. The aromas hint at black fruit: ripe black cherries and black plums. Enticing barrel qualities of cola spice and a hint of dried tarragon complement the fruit aromas. Even-ripening conditions were the norm for the 2008 growing season; the resulting wines have shown themselves to be generous in body and velvety in texture from an early age. On the palate, the wine shows layers of deeply extracted flavors that only old vine hillside vineyards can give. Papa’s Knoll Cabernet may be enjoyed anytime over the next 20 years. For those who seek youthful fresh cabernet fruit aromas and a more structured wine, drink it from 2010 through 2016. If you prefer the less fruity, more developed bottle bouquet aromas and a softer, more velvety wine on the palate, drink it from 2017-2030. |
