Tasting Notes

The 2004 vintage was significantly different than 2003 in its nearly ideal stability of temperature without significant temperature spikes and lack of rainfall during the growing season. The seamlessness of the season is reflected in the wine. Redolent with aromas of fig, lime peel, orange water, and roasted nuts, the brightness of fruit upon entry (think lemon oil and pear) leads immediately to a massive middle.

In the mouth, this wine grows abundantly, an organoleptic equivalent of the Greek O. The biscuity flavors of 18 months of aging on the lees couple with the exotic flavors of cardamom and crushed stones and continue upward and outward, carried on the back of a streak of acidity. The wine finishes very long with minerally notes of lime leaves and...

Tasting Notes

For centuries, the Bordelais have used Petit Verdot in their blends to provide their wines with darker color and more tannin. This wine is a perfect demonstration of how well the two varieties work together. While the 2001 vintage Cabernet had a very dark red color, this vintage is profoundly dark purple with a core verging on the black. In the nose, one detects intense aromas of black plum and cassis fruit, underpinned by a layer of non-fruit aromatics: pencil shavings, wetted earth, créme brulee oakiness, dark chocolate, and subtle lavender perfume.

From the Winery

In only one other vintage since our first have we produced anything but a 100% Cabernet wine under our Livermore Valley banner; 2002 marks the second release. In certain vintages...