2008 Duckhorn "The Discussion" Napa Red Wine

SKU #1089865 93 points Wine Enthusiast

This is by far the most expensive of Duckhorn’s new releases, but it’s not the best to drink now. Based on Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s easy to imagine the winemaker singling out the most tannic and concentrated lots, but what you get is, simply, a very tannic wine. There’s a gigantic core of blackberry and black currant fruit, but it’s hard to appreciate because of the astringency. The suggestion is longterm aging, but there can be no guarantees. Cellar Selection. (10/ 2012)

K&L Notes

Best of the Best: that's what the 2008 "Discussion" is all about. A Bordeaux-style blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc from the best barrels of the best blocks of Duckhorn's estate vineyards in Yountville, Howell Mountain, and, St Helena, the 2008 "Discussion" was aged for 26 months in 100% new French oak. There's a bright, spiciness to this wine that speaks to the long, cool 2008 vintage, which yielded concentrated fruit with excellent aroma and flavor development and high natural acidity. "While there is abundant, rich upfront fruit in the aromas and on the palate, what makes this wine so noteworthy is its layered sophistication. Throughout the drinking experience, elements of black currant, spicy plum, cherry cola and chocolate-covered raspberries evolve in the glass, mingling with appealing black licorice, ginger, allspice and coconut notes." (From the Winery)