The 2008 GOLD RESERVE, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (50%), Mourvedre (40%) and Syrah (10%), is a fairly typical Gold Reserve, on par with recent vintages, but a little too young at this point to appreciate fully. It sports a lot of power at the moment, gripping, intense and rather drying on the finish after being poured for 90 minutes or so. It starts out very new world and ends earthier and with a lot more character. The elegant mid-palate coupled with the power can give it an austere demeanor at this point, but I’m leaning up a little considering the fine structure here. Crisp and austere, it may not reach its potential, but certainly needs a little patience. It will probably show a lot better around 2013. Drink 2012-2019. Massaya, run and owned by Lebanon’s Sami and Ramzi Ghosn, with participation by the owners of Chateaus Vieux Telegraphe and Bellefont-Belcier in France, is a relatively familiar Lebanese brand. Their top label is the Gold Reserve, which usually shows quite nicely.Importer: Winebow, Inc., Montvale, N.J.; tel: (201) 445-0620