The inky/purple-tinged 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Coeur de Vallee is a 250-case blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Cabernet Franc. It offers up complex notes of unsmoked high class cigar tobacco, creme de cassis, subtle barbecue smoke, licorice and pen ink. Full-bodied with outstanding texture, purity and length, this awesome Cabernet Sauvignon can be enjoyed over the next 25-30 years. One of northern California’s most talented wine producers is Frenchman Luc Morlet, who is also a consultant at Peter Michael Winery where his brother is firmly in charge. All of his Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays from the Sonoma Coast and Russian River as well as his Syrahs from Bennett Valley will be reviewed in the February, 2011 issue. His extraordinary Cabernet Sauvignon portfolio include two offerings from Oakville (which emerge from the Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard) and one from Knight’s Valley. The stunning 2008s are as good if not better than the Morlet 2007s. The 2009s appear to be among the most promising wines of the vintage which will be much more irregular than the 2007s or even the 2008s in Napa. Tel. (707) 967-8690