2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
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Tasting notes
(14.8% alcohol): Bright medium red-ruby. Sexy aromas of dark berries, kirsch and cocoa powder. Sweet, plush and fruit-driven, conveying a very ripe quality to the flavors of black raspberry, kirsch , licorice and chocolate. This powerful but slightly unrefined Cabernet finishes long and a bit aggressive, with a major dusting of medicinal tannins and a lingering note of licorice.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa is the most forward and developed of these wines and is a blend of 99% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest tiny dollops of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Lots of licorice, unsmoked cigar tobacco, espresso roast and sweet red and black currants along with a hint of Christmas fruitcake jump from the glass of this dense, opaque, purple-colored wine. It is full-bodied, lush, opulent and showy, with wonderfully sweet tannin and a voluptuous texture and mouthfeel. This beauty is approaching full maturity, where it should remain at least another decade. These wines were made when Tony Soter was still living in Napa Valley. As most readers probably know, he remains a consultant at Etude after the Beringer empire purchased it. He has moved to Oregon where he’s turning out Pinot Noir and absolutely stunning sparkling rose. All three of these wines performed brilliantly. Tel. (877) 586-9361
The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa is the most forward and developed of these wines and is a blend of 99% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest tiny dollops of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Lots of licorice, unsmoked cigar tobacco, espresso roast and sweet red and black currants along with a hint of Christmas fruitcake jump from the glass of this dense, opaque, purple-colored wine. It is full-bodied, lush, opulent and showy, with wonderfully sweet tannin and a voluptuous texture and mouthfeel. (RP)
Concentrated black fruit with dusty cocoa, vanilla, tar and anise. Ripe, substantial tannins. Very rich and intense, yet wonderfully balanced -- California Cab at its opulent best. (LM) $90