AIRFIELD’S WINE ADVOCATE RATINGS (Aug. 2010)
September 3rd, 2010
2008 Airfield Estates Aviator – 92 Points
The 2008 Aviator is made up of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, with the balance Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec aged for 20 months in 50% new French oak. Deep purple-colored, it gives up an aromatic array of toasty new oak, smoke, violets, spice box, black cherry, and black currant. The most structured of the red wines, it has excellent concentration, serious depth and grip, and several years of aging potential. Drink this lengthy offering from 2014 to 2028.
BUY: $30
2008 Airfield Estates Malbec – 91 Points
The purple-colored 2008 Malbec spent 20 months in 40% new French and American oak. Asian spices, incense, lavender, black cherry, and black raspberry are followed by a plush, chewy, full-flavored Malbec with superior depth and length. Give it 2-3 years to fill out and enjoy it from 2013 to 2023.
BUY: $28
2009 Airfield Estates Late Harvest Gewurztraminer – 91 Points
The 2009 Late Harvest Gewurztraminer was made from frozen fruit fermented to 18.5% residual sugar. Aromas of lychee, pear, apricot, and mango are followed by a viscous, very sweet wine balanced with lively acidity. Drink this tasty effort over the next 4-5 years with fruit desserts.
BUY: $28
2008 Airfield Estates Cabernet Sauvignon – 90 Points
The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon contains small amounts of Malbec and Merlot aged for 20 months in 45% new French oak. Medium purple-colored, it reveals aromas of pain grille, pencil lead, violets, spice box, incense, black currant, and blackberry. On the palate it has ample layered fruit, good balance, well-integrated oak, good volume, and 2-3 years of aging potential. Cellar it for 2-3 years and drink it from 2012 to 2023.
BUY: $22
2008 Airfield Estates Merlot – 90 Points
The 2008 Merlot (100%) spent 20 months in 40% new French oak before bottling without fining or filtration. Aromas of cocoa, chocolate, tobacco, cassis, and black cherry lead to a medium to full-bodied ripe wine with good grip, excellent volume, layered fruit, and enough structure to evolve for 1-2 years. It will deliver prime drinking from 2012 to 2020.
BUY: $22
2008 Airfield Estates Lightning – 90 Points
The 2008 Lightning is a blend of 50% Viognier, 25% Roussanne, with the balance Chardonnay and Marsanne. Barrel-fermented and raised sur lie with monthly batonnage in seasoned French oak for 11 months, the wine did not go through malolactic. The nose displays a touch of smoke, bee-s wax, spring flowers, and melon. Medium-bodied on the palate, it reveals a smooth texture, complex flavors, good acidity, and impeccable balance. Drink this lengthy effort now and over the next 4 years.
BUY: $18
2008 Airfield Estates Mustang – 89 Points
The 2008 Mustang is composed of 53% Grenache, 35% Syrah, with the balance Cinsault, Counoise, and Mourvedre aged for 11 months in seasoned French oak. Medium purple-colored, it displays an attractive nose of cedar, spice box, lavender, incense, blueberry, and blackberry. Easy-going on the palate with no hard edges, this savory, spicy, pleasure-bent wine is meant for drinking over the next 6 years. It is an excellent value.
BUY: $25
2008 Airfield Estates Spitfire – 89 Points
The 2008 Spitfire is made up of 60% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec aged for 11 months in 40% new French oak. Medium crimson-colored, it reveals an aromatic array of smoke, Asian spices, cherries, cassis, and incense. Savory, ripe, and mouth-filling, this tasty offering is meant for drinking over the next 6 years.
BUY: $25
2008 Airfield Estates Bombshell Red – 87 Points
The 2008 Bombshell Red, a blend of 41% Syrah, 35% Merlot, with the balance Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc. Medium purple-colored, it displays a nose of spice box, lavender, cherries, cassis, and blueberry. Easy-going on the palate, this very good value is meant for drinking over the next 4 years.
BUY: $16
2009 Airfield Estates Unoaked Chardonnay – 87 Points
The latest releases include a 2009 Unoaked Chardonnay fermented and raised in stainless steel. It gives up aromas of pear, apple, and white peach leading to a crisp, clean, refreshing Chardonnay meant for drinking over the next 1-2 years. It is an excellent value.
BUY: $12