2008 Tetra ARTET Premiere Napa Valley

Wine: 2008 Tetra ARTET Premiere Napa Valley
Estate: Tetra Wine
Vineyard: Tourmaline Vineyard, Broken Rock Vineyard, Sugarloaf Mountain East, Suscol Bench Vineyard
Region: Napa Valley, California

Location: Sunday Funday at home on 3/13/2016

Tasting Note:

First Premiere Napa Valley wine, all we could think to compare it too was a similar auction in South Africa known as the Cape Winemaker's Guild. Wine was a deep crimson red close to ruby. Lots of red cherries on the nose, with some undertones of light spices like nutmeg and mint or ecalyptus. Moderate plus tannins (7/10) and moderate body. Palate was full of red fruits, cherries and raspberries. Cherries were plush. A little dry in the moderate plus finish. Easily has a few more years in the bottle. Would be really nice around 2018 or so to help it integrate a little further. Drink till 2023. 

Rating: 92
Price: $$$ - Purchased for $68.53 from Wally's Wine and Spirits.

2008 Ruston Family Vineyards La Maestra Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine: 2008 Ruston Family Vineyards La Maestra Cabernet Sauvignon
Estate: Ruston Family Vineyards

Region: St. Helena AVA, Napa Valley, California

Winemaker: Joshua Krupp

Elevage: Unknown.

Varietals: Unknown.

Decant: 4 hour decant.

Location: Tasted at home while watching James Bond on 1/21/2016.

Tasting Note:

Dark purple red. Nose was covered in blackberries and blueberries. Light cassis and slight acetone. Nose finished with a little chalk. Moderate tannins (5.5/10) with a moderate body. Solid acidity in this body, with black cherries and creme de cassis. Slightly sharp in the moderate finish, lingers for around 10 or so seconds. Solid wine for the price point, we might have to grab another one or two just to put away. Can hold together until 2019.

Dates: Drink till 2019.
Rating: 91+
Price: $$ - From MacArthur's Beverages for $27.49

2008 Hartenberg Shiraz Gravel Hill

Wine: 2008 Hartenberg Shiraz Gravel Hill
Estate: Hartenberg Wine Estate
Location: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Winemaker: Patrick Ngamane
Elevage: 18 months in 100% new French Allier oak.
Varietals: 100% Shiraz.
Decant: Unknown.
Location: New Year's Day party at the Ballington's house on 1/1/2016.

Tasting Note:

Color: Ruby red. Deep and dark.

Nose/Smell: Meaty with a lot of salami or prosciutto. Smokey as well. Love the nose.

Palate/Taste: Caramel, vanilla in the attack then goes very dry in a very long and lingering finish. Heavy tannins (8/10) and full bodied. 

Opinion: Just as delicious as tasting at the estate two weeks ago. Definitely a wine that you can cellar for the long hall. Absolutely delicious.

Dates: Now till 2036.
Rating: 93
Price: $$ - $33.00