Chemla, Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve, 2008: Medium- to full-bodied, reflecting 14 months of aging in French oak with soft, gently gripping tannins and notes of spicy wood. Opens to an appealing array of blackberry, wild berry and cassis fruits, those complemented by hints of roasted herbs. Drink now-2013.
Score 88. K
Chemla, Merlot, Reserve, 2008: Dark cherry red towards garnet, reflecting its oak-aging in American oak for 14 months with soft, near-sweet tannins and a note vanilla. Medium-bodied, opens with a bit of bottle stink but that blows off quickly to reveal an array of red fruits, those set on a lightly spicy background. On the moderately long finish an appealing note of green olives. Drink now-2012.
Score 88. K
Chemla, Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz-Petit Verdot, Reserve, 2007: An increasingly popular "Bordeaux-Australia" blend, this one oak aged for 10 months in French oak and showing medium- to full-bodied. Generous but soft tannins and sweet cedar wood part comfortably to make way for aromas and flavors of plums, blueberries and dark chocolate. Drink now-2012, perhaps longer. Score 87. K
Chemla, Merlot-Shiraz-Petit Verdot, 2007: Developed for 10 months partly in French and partly in American oak, medium-bodied, soft and round. Shows currant and blackberry fruits on a background that hints simultaneously of bell peppers and earthy-minerals. Drink now. Score 85. K
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