2004 Neal Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley California. $60; Freelance Cafe & Wine Bar, Piermont, NY. 14.8% alcohol.
Deep red color, deep hue, excellent fruit and spice aromas and tastes, tobacco and chocolate notes, medium mouth feel, noticeable oak and a little hot, long complex finish. This wine seemed disjointed and a bit harsh in the aftertaste -- more time might smooth it out. At this price point though, I can't recommend that one buy and wait. 2*.
Notes:
Winery: http://www.nealvineyards.com
February 1, 2007 - Mother Nature reduced the crop of 2004 but what wonderful fruit she gave us. Our fruit is farmed organically on the same 9 vineyards we've sourced since the 2001 vintage. Natural fermentations driven by the indigenous yeast from each vineyard let the wines develop characters that reflect the soil where the fruit was grown. Extended macerations averaging 45 days shape the majority of mountain tannins into a rich, approachable texture. Aged in our cave for 22 months in our spice rack of predominately new French oak creates the final product.
Tastings four months after bottling showed intensely aromatic flavors, full of toasty blackberry, vanilla, cherry candy and oak. In the mouth, it has a beautiful balance of power and elegance, concentrated and integrated with layers of fruit (cassis, chocolate, tobacco and black cherry) and a long finish. It is a wine full of great Cabernet Sauvignon varietal characteristics, yet very approachable considering the mountain fruit sources.
Harvest Information
Harvest Dates: September 4, 2004 through October 12, 2004
Vineyard Locations: Howell Mountain (3 sites), Atlas Peak, Mt. Veeder, Rutherford (3 sites), St. Helena, Coombsville
Cooperage
Barrel Aged 22 Months in 100% French Oak (80% New)
Bottled on September 8, 2006
Technical Data
100% Napa Valley
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
100% Organically Grown Grapes
Alcohol: 14.8%
pH: 3.79
TA: 0.54