|
|
2004 CALIFORNIA CABERNET SAUVIGNON VINTAGE RATES EXCELLENT The 2004 California Cabernet Sauvignon vintage rates “excellent” based on my tasting of over 48 barrel samples in May 2005. This is the best vintage since the outstanding 2001, and the second best vintage of the decade. The finest California red vintages over the past 15 years are 1991, 1994, 1997, and 2001. Although the 2004 vintage has the potential to become better, it will not rival the great aforementioned vintages. The wines are concentrated and exhibit outstanding color and firm, semi-soft tannins, a combination that should evolve into balanced, complex, moderately concentrated wines that will be a joy to consume. Interestingly, 2004 was one of the shortest growing seasons in recent history, but, clearly one that produced some rich, and structurally exquisite wines. The early budbreak in February was followed by several months of unseasonably dry and warm weather. Harvest started in early September, weeks ahead of the norm for California reds. The yields were relatively low, but the bunches consisted of small, tightly packed grapes. Although it is early in the development of these wines, many possess excellent concentration of flavor and a firm, but yielding, tannic structural backbone. The proof of the pudding will be in the bottle when the wines are released in 2006-2008. Some wines will experience further blending or different aging or processing regiments that will affect their outcome. My general impressions of different producers are separated into Outstanding, Excellent and Good potential. There is a fourth category for those wines that were either too tannic to evaluate at this time or are blends, but which merit further evaluation at a later time. Cabernet Sauvignon is the principal component of all these wines. Note there are no “Outstanding” wines at this time. Wines not listed were either not tasted or not recommended. You are the sole judge of what you like, and the only way to truly evaluate this vintage is to try as many 2004s as you can. Unfortunately, the 2004 vintage will not be released until 2006-2007 or later, so be patient and be ready! WINES WITH OUTSTANDING POTENTIAL (Producer, appellation): (To be announced when discovered. There are many that may qualify that are not available for tasting at this time. For example, Harlan, Screaming Eagle, Araujo, Chateau Montelena and other California “first growths.”)
WINES WITH EXCELLENT POTENTIAL: (Some may eventually qualify for “Outstanding Potential.”) Andrew Geoffrey Vineyards, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley Far Niente, Oakville, Napa Valley Nickel & Nickel, Sullenger Vineyard, Oakville, Napa Valley Paul Hobbs, Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard, St. Helena, Napa Valley Pine Ridge, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley Ritchie Creek Vineyard, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley Silvervado Vineyards, Limited Reserve, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Cask 23, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley Whitehall Lane Winery, Reserve, Napa Valley
WINES WITH GOOD POTENTIAL: (many of these wines are borderline “excellent” potential.) Alexander Valley Vineyards, Alexander Valley Barnett Vineyards, Napa Valley Blue Rock Vineyards, Alexander Valley Chimney Rock Winery, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley Kuleto Estate, Napa Valley La Jota Vineyard Co., Howell Mountain, Napa Valley Martin Estate, Rutherford, Napa Valley Ramey Wine Cellars, Pedregal Vineyard, Oakville, Napa Valley Robert Craig Wine Cellars, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley Robert Keenan Winery, Spring Mountain, Napa Valley Robert Mondavi Winery, Reserve, Napa Valley Rosenthal—The Malibu Estate, Newton Canyon Silver Oak Cellars, Napa Valley Silver Oak Cellars, Red Tail Block 5, Alexander Valley Viader Vineyards & Winery, Napa Valley
OTHER WINES WITH POTENTIAL but too tannic (astringent) to properly evaluate at this time, or one component of a blend. Definitely merit future consideration after the tannins have a chance to soften, or the blend is finalized. Beringer Vineyards, Napa Valley (Private Reserve) Cakebread Cellars, Napa Valley Chalk Hill, Chalk Hill, Sonoma County Geyser Peak Winery, Reserve, Alexander Valley Judd’s Hill, Napa Valley Marshall Cellars, Beckstoffer Reserve (Dr. Crane + others), Napa Valley Merryvale Vineyards, Beckstoffer Vineyard X, Oakville, Napa Valley Peju, Reserve, Rutherford, Napa Valley St. Clement Vineyards, Napa Valley
September 2005 |
|
Contact: alchemist@wineperspective.com
The Alchemist's Wine Perspective™ |