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Paul Hobbs Chardonnay and
2004 California Cabernet
2004 marks exemplary quality and excellence for the California Cabernet Sauvignon vintages. The wines possess remarkable potentiality, tasteful color and texture, soft tannins, and balance. This month, I will feature the best 2004 vintages that are currently available in the market. We have three Paul Hobbs Chardonnays, as well as, a number of Cabernet from various vineyards and wineries in California.
Note: The wines are listed in approximate order of their flavor and weight intensity- from lighter to fuller
Chardonnay Wine Recommendations
PAUL HOBBS - Chardonnay
* 2005 RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY, $45-$47
* 2005 RITCHIE VINEYARD, RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY, $70-$72
* 2005 RICHARD DINNER VINEYARD, SONOMA MOUNTAIN, $65-$67
The 2005 RRV Chardonnay is fragrant, abundant and full-bodied. It features the flavors of pear, apple and toasted almond. It is a wine of remarkable finesse and minerality. Excellent balance and length. Alcohol 14.6%. 3,700 cases.
Bursting with aromas of white peach and crème brulee, Ritchie’s Chardonnay is intensely apple and tropical fruit flavored. It features distinctive earthiness and complexity. Long and persistent finish. 192 cases.
The 2005 Richard Dinner Vineyard features rich texture and structured palate. Tastes of apple, roasted nut, pineapple, vanilla and toast. Long, a bit citrusy finish. . 653 cases. Drink through 2009. Alcohol 14.7%
California Cabernet Recommendations
SIMI, 2004 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, ALEXANDER VALLEY, $22-$24
Bright and lively. This Cabernet is fruit-forward with spicy oak undertones. Features aroma of ripe plum, black cherry and cassis with delectable hints of vanilla. Medium length finish. 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 1% Malbec, 1% Petite Sirah, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc.
CHIMNEY ROCK, 2004 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, STAGS LEAP DISTRICT, $55-$57
Exhibits aroma of blackberry, black currant, dark chocolate with subtle hints of mocha and smoke. Elegant and positively stylish. 19,573 cases. Drink through 2012.
HESS, 2004 ALLOMI CABERNET SAUVIGNON, NAPA VALLEY, $27-$29
Bursting with flavors of cherry, allspice, nutmeg, loganberry, licorice and toasty oak. Supple and soft tannins. Fleshy and full-bodied. 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec, 3% Merlot. 41,000 cases. Drink through 2010.
ROBERT MONDAVI WINERY, 2004 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, OAKVILLE, $38-$40
Deep and mysterious wine. Intensely flavored (blackberry, black currant, black olives, kola nut). Utterly delicious. Excellent finish and value. Drink through 2010.
SEBASTIANI, 2004 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, ALEXANDER VALLEY, $28-$30
Features flavors of black cherry and blackberry with delectable hints of nutty oak. Full-bodied with slight tannic structure. Great balance and finish. 4% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec. 5,600 cases. Drink through 2012.
KENDALL-JACKSON – Cabernet Sauvignon
* 2004 HAWKEYE MOUNTAIN, ALEXANDER VALLEY, $48-$50
* 2004 TRACE RIDGE, KNIGHTS VALLEY, ($53-$55
* 2004 NAPA MOUNTAIN, MT. VEEDER, $58-$60
The 2004 Hawkeye Mountain Cabernet is lush and full-bodied. It is bursting with blackberry tart, black cherry, mocha, root beer, molasses and sweet vanilla oak. Long finish. 1,201 cases.
The 2004 Trace Ridge possesses deep aromas of blackberry. It is fruit-forward with well-balanced acidity and tannins. Features evident complexity and earthiness. 437 cases.
The 2004 Napa Mountain is dynamic and noteworthy. It is brimming with rich blackberry, cinnamon, cassis and coriander flavors. It is also full of ripe fruity aromas, well-balanced acidity and mountain tannin. 422 cases. Drink through 2012.
ROBERT CRAIG, 2004 AFFINITY, NAPA VALLEY, $45-$47
Elements of cassis and berries, complemented by oak, chocolate and cedar. Rich and elegantly structured Cabernet. great depth and length. 13% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. 3,640 cases. Drink through 2012.
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