Sunday, November 13, 2011

2004 Rockledge Cabernet Sauvignon The Rocks (USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena)

I am obviously in the minority here, but that's never bothered me before. I love this wine.
Some wines take different routes to get to where they are going, others stay true and sure, hardly ever budging. This is the latter.
It's super dark and still ominous. Nose is all dark fruits of black-cherries, currant, and soft ripe super-black plums. The cola notes are in play as is some creme de cassis and cardamom. Pure and precise while being classic and gripping, this remains the cab lovers cab. Masculine and bordering a heavy weighted wine, this has gripping tannins---still, with a slightly elevated acidity; this seems about right for such a big boned wine and without this could easily fall apart. Notes of graphite, cedar box and hints of exotic tea leaf really make this a well balanced wine that carries much interest within its suit of armour. Finish remains lively with the dark fruits never wavering for pole position. This is really a satisfying Napa Cabernet. Last tasted with Mike Hirby when he visited with the CLONYC gang back in October, 2009. This has barely moved an inch since..... 93 pts

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