| Review |
| Production: 8,700 cases; Alcohol: 14.4%; Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon; Harvest Dates: September 14 to October 16. This blend of fruit from Steinhauer Ranch (42%), St. Helena Home Vineyard (18%), Bancroft Ranch (15%), Marston Ranch (11%), and the rest tiny quantities from Chabot Vineyard, Rancho del Oso and Lampyridae emerged from an unusual growing season for Napa. Heavy rains in February were followed by hot weather in March, April and May, and cooler than normal weather in June, July and August. The harvest began early and finished a short four weeks later, an unusually quick harvest. Sweet notes of licorice, cedar wood, blackberries, toast, pepper and bay leaf are all present in this big, full-bodied, opulent, lusty California-styled wine. Exotic with loads of fruit and on a fast evolutionary track, the 2004 can be drunk now or cellared for another 10-15 years. |
| Rating |
| The final blend for the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve has turned out fabulously. The wine’s dense purple color is accompanied by a rich, sumptuous bouquet of creme de cassis, lead pencil shavings, chocolate, toast, and spice box. It possesses fabulous fruit, low acidity, a rich, full-bodied mouthfeel, and a long, pure finish. This cuvee remains one of the most underrated great Cabernet Sauvignons of Napa. In vintages such as this, it is capable of lasting 20-25 years.
|
|
 |
| Related Searches | |
|
|
