88/100 Herder Josephine 2008
Coffee, vanilla, meaty, prune plum, cherry jam, tobacco, cedar, barnyard, saddle leather, sage aromas. Ripe, round, rich, elegant but warm palate with fresh acidity and some youthful tannins. Cranberry, cherry jam, coffee, chocolate, cedar, tobacco leaf, peppery, black olive, licorice and vanilla flavours. Good concentration but finish is warm, and a bit tart and rustic, needs 3-4 years to soften.
Last Tasted: 2011-08-11 AG-ST
JOHN SCHREINER
Herder Josephine 2008
This is a blend of 81% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Cabernet Franc. Stated alcohol is 14.8%, again not an issue, given the fullness of the fruit and texture. The wine begins with dramatic aromas of spicy blackberries. On the palate, there are flavours of blackberry and black currant, with the cedar notes often found in a Bordeaux-style red that has been aged in good oak. Collectors of previous vintages will recognize that, even with vintage differences, Herder has achieved a consistent house style. This wine can be aged for seven to 10 more years before hitting its peak. 92
WINESCORES.CA
Herder 'Josephine' 2008
92 Points
Deep, dark and delicious...plums, black currents, baking spices and vanilla with fresh tomato leaf to give it lift. Fresh... impressive structure...nicely woven tannins...lengthy.
Cellar for a few years or one to decant and impress your dinner guests.
GISMONDI ON WINE
