2004 Edge Hill Mixed Blacks Field Blend
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The most exciting offering in this portfolio is the 2004 Edge Hill Mixed Blacks, an amazing blend of 61% Zinfandel, 26% Petite Sirah, 7% Mourvedre, and the rest Grenache, Carignane, and Alicante Bouchet. Aged 16 months in French oak (33% new), it is a phenomenally rich, concentrated, soulful, savory, inky/ruby/purple-hued wine boasting great intensity, laser-like precision, and gorgeous notes of blueberries, blackberries, scorched earth, pepper, spice, and incense. A hedonistic cascade of fruit is followed by enough aromas and nuances to please the most demanding intellectual. I would certainly encourage the proprietor to increase the production of this stunning blend. Previously recommended: 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate (91+), 2003 Oakville Estate (93+). Tel. (707) 944-8577; Fax (707) 944-2823
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Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Good deep ruby-red. Blackberry, blueberry and minerals on the nose. Rich, dense and sweet, with a superripe candied black fruit quality complicated by smoky and meaty nuances. Fat, chocolatey wine of considerably size. Finishes with substantial but ripe tannins. Jean-Bernard Delmas, the retired long-time manager of Chateau Haut-Brion, consults on this project.
This is an extraordinary field blend of fruit from relatively young vines. Sadly, there are only 100 cases produced, and the vineyard, which is near the famed Hayne Vineyard in St. Helena, is capable of doing remarkable things. The 2004 Mixed Blacks represents Napa’s answer to a big, rich, French Chateauneuf du Pape. An enormous nose of incense, smoke, black fruits, and truffles is followed by a wine of great intensity, richness, purity, and definition. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2014. What a shame there is not more of this great wine made by winemaker Charles Thomas from a vineyard owned by Leslie Rudd. Tel. (707) 944-8577; Fax (707) 944-2823