Bid on this 4-bottle lot of 2008 Chalk Hill Winery "Estate Red" Chalk Hill Red Blend (90CG). Connoisseurs Guide: "Intense, highly ripened and perilously close to being too much, this dramatic, big-bodied red blend hews to the no-holds-barred opulence that has become a signature trait of Chalk Hill's wines of late. Those who hold that less is more will not find special pleasure here, but folk who fancy rich oak, ripeness and swagger need look no further. We admit that it is too hot for its own good and that we would not try pairing it with anything less than very flavorful foods, but when held for a few years and matched with savory, slowly braised lamb shanks, it has the potential shine brightly." (12/2011)
This lot contains the following items:
2008 Chalk Hill Winery "Estate Red" Chalk Hill Red Blend (qty: 4)
Intense, highly ripened and perilously close to being too much, this dramatic, big-bodied red blend hews to the no-holds-barred opulence that has become a signature trait of Chalk Hill's wines of late. Those who hold that less is more will not find special pleasure here, but folk who fancy rich oak, ripeness and swagger need look no further. We admit that it is too hot for its own good and that we would not try pairing it with anything less than very flavorful foods, but when held for a few years and matched with savory, slowly braised lamb shanks, it has the potential shine brightly.
The 2008 Estate Red is a blend of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Malbec, 15% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 2% Syrah and 2% Carmenere. This full-throttle, opulent red caresses the palate with silky dark fruit, exotic spices, chocolate, camphor, licorice and tar. There is nothing subtle about the Estate Red, yet all of the elements are nicely balanced through to the rich, sumptuous finish. (AG)
Ripe and fleshy, with appealing plum and berry jam flavors that are intense and complex, ending on a simpler note. (JL, Web-2011)