2007 Alpine -Popped and poured at cellar temp. Quite dark purplish red with no signs of bricking. Brambly, smoky black cherry fruit on the nose with a hint of sandalwood. Orange peel, dark cherry and loamy earth on the palate with a nice acidic finish. Just a little hole in the mid palate would be my only criticism, otherwise a very nice drink. Further along the maturity curve than the 08, but still plenty of life left.
2008 Alpine - Popped and poured at cellar temp. Nice dark ruby color with just a hint of bricking on the rim. Very bold meaty, dark fruited nose - tons of blackberry fruit with a nice limestone note. Dark brambly fruit with noticeable spicy, stemmy notes on the palate and some persistent fine tannins on the finish. This is in early days and should last many more years, with great potential for even more complexity with bottle age. The 07 is drinking well right now, but prefer the 08 for present and future potential.