2004
Cabernet Sauvignon $60
Ink
Grade Vineyard
This is a bold, powerful Cabernet from
the top of Howell Mountain. Ink Grade Vineyard was previously
bottled by Behrens & Hitchcock (now named Erna Schein if you
missed a recent A-List), which has consistently received 90-95 points
from Parker. The Ink Grade Vineyard is a vineyard of Grand
Crus status in the Napa Valley. These southeastern-facing
vineyards are characterized by steep, rugged slopes and arid, rocky
soil which produce intense, black, powerful fruit with balanced
acidity, sugar and fruit.
I opened this on Friday and with ample
time in the decanter, this showed bright fruit, solid structure and
some tannins on the backside. Many Cabernets fall apart after 24
hours. However, I revisited this bottle 24 hours later and this
is when it knocked my socks off. This powerful yet charming
Cabernet showed excellent density and richness with palate coating
layers of juicy raspberry, black cherry fruit with hints of caramel,
chocolate, toast and wood spice. The tannins softened and became
velvety and integrated. This showed more like an $80 bottle!
This incredible Cabernet is suitable
for immediate gratification, will be remarkably better in several
months, and is highly ageworthy. I would bet this will knock
your socks of too!
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