2004 Schrader Cabernet Sauvignon RBS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard

The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon RBS, made from clone 337 and aged 20 months in a combination of Darnajou and Taransaud barrels, hit 14.5% natural alcohol. This wine shows the classic Pauillac nose of cedarwood, creme de cassis, licorice and fruitcake. It is fresh, full-bodied, ripe and long and is already starting to come into its late adolescence – meaning it can be drunk now or continue to be cellared for another 15-20 years. Winemaker Thomas Brown said it was easy to remember 2004 as a “hot and hotter vintage, especially the first 10-12 days of September.” The result was a tiny crop due to the 105-108 degree temperatures. The tiny productions included 100 cases of Old Sparky, 125 cases of RBS, 175 cases of CCS and 250 cases of the three-digit Cabernet Sauvignon Schrader. All these performed spectacularly well in my tastings, including the only perfect wine of the vintage. Tel. (707) 942-1540

(from Clone 337) Good deep ruby-red. Currant, licorice, tar, coffee, mocha and spices on the nose. Fat, lush and sweet, stuffed with red fruit flavor and lifted by enticing inner-mouth aromatic character. Finishes with rich, suave tannins. This has turned out very well.

Good full ruby. Blueberry, blackberry, camphor, violet and dark chocolate on the nose, plus suggestions of caramelized brown sugar and crystallized berries. Quite primary and unevolved today, but already impressively dense and chocolatey. Finishes with very broad tannins.