The 2008 Ethos Cabernet Sauvignon spent 22 months in 100% new French and American oak. Inky purple in color, it sports a fragrant nose of pain grille, pencil lead, exotic spices, incense, and assorted black fruits. In the glass it deftly combines power and elegance revealing layers of fruit, succulent flavors, and impressive length. Give it 4-5 years of cellaring and drink it from 2015 to 2028. Chateau Ste. Michelle's portfolio remains strong.www.ste-michelle.com

The luscious fruit mix starts with a suggestion of marmalade, then adds plum and cherry. It gains complexity with streaks of graphite, black olive and smoke, polished, lightly earthy tannins and plenty of power through the finish. An interesting, somewhat unusual style of Ethos.——P.G.(4/1/2012)—— 91