2004 Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon Stagecoach Vineyard

The deep ruby/purple-colored 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Stagecoach Vineyard offers a sweet, classic creme de cassis-scented nose with loamy, earthy notes in the background. Layered with an opulent texture, the sometimes ferocious tannins from Stagecoach Vineyard fruit have been beautifully tamed and civilized. This full-bodied, loaded Cabernet Sauvignon is just approaching early adolescence, and should drink well for another 10-15+ years. One of the most successful, accomplished and irrepressible personalities of Northern California is globe-trotting wine consultant Paul Hobbs. His home base is in the Russian River sector of California, but his talents are such that he can go into Napa and turn out spectacular Cabernet Sauvignons from a multitude of sources. Tel. (707) 824-9879

Dark red. Lush, candied blackberry and boysenberry aromas, with a suggestion of dark chocolate. Creamy in texture and packed with sweet berry and cassis flavors and an exotic fruitcake quality. Takes on a ripe, tarry note on the gently tannic finish, which shows very good grip and length.

Medium ruby. Black cherry, blackberry pastille and licorice aromas lifted by a violet perfume. Sweet, brooding and concentrated, with an edge of acidity yet to be absorbed. Today this wine comes across as quite tannic, with the tannins currently cutting off the fruit. The pH here is a moderate 3.66, according to Hobbs.