2008 Moone-Tsai Cabernet Sauvignon Cor Leonis

The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Cor Leonis bursts from the glass with a rush of dark red fruit, licorice and spices. Expressive aromatics are woven throughout, adding elements of lift. Silky, finessed tannins frame the finish. The 2008 was made from vineyards in Soda Canyon and Coombsville.

The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Cor Leonis bursts from the glass with a rush of dark red fruit, licorice and spices. Expressive aromatics are woven throughout, adding elements of lift. Silky, finessed tannins frame the finish. The 2008 was made from vineyards in Soda Canyon and Coombsville. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2025. This is an interesting set of wines from industry veterans Mike Moone and Mary Ann Tsai. Philippe Melka is the winemaker. I tasted three vintages of the Cabernet Sauvignon. As good as the wines are, the changing vineyard sources from year to year means there is not a whole lot of stylistic continuity. Hopefully that will come with time. Tel. (707) 265-6782

Bright ruby. Wild aromas of redcurrant, licorice and caraway seed. Dense, broad, sweet and impressively deep, with terrific flavor intensity and a compellingly lush texture. Even showier today on the building, very long finish, which features suave tannins and a lingering note of bitter chocolate. In a richer style than the more claret-like basic cabernet. These 2008s were bottled in February of this year, or just a month prior to my visit. Incidentally, Moone-Tsai has just taken over the old Luna winery; the Luna sangiovese and pinot grigio will continue to be produced in a facility in south Napa.