WTN: 2004 BV GdlT, 2003 "Kelly Fleming"

Wine Styles Beau's Blues Monday.

2004 BV Georges de la Tour Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley. Very dark fruit, with a dry roasted character, plenty of earthyness, dark high toast oak without tasting oaky. Tannins are pretty savage right now, and there is quite a bit of acid for a 2004. I think this wine will be an ager, but I liked the 2005 better at the same stage. This wine overall is a little discombulated and needs some time to come together. 91 points, reflecting potential. I do like me my BV!

2003 Kelly Fleming Napa Valley. I foolishly thought this was Peggy Fleming's wine...but I was totally wrong. This Cabernet has more red fruit than the BV, with red currant flavors; the fruit is actually pretty nice, avoiding overextraction and candied character. Oak is reasonable and not obtrusive. Alcohol shows (14.4%) but the wine is not painfully hot. What really stood out is the acidity and structure-this is a nicely firm young cabernet that, while certainly drinkable now, could merit further cellaring. 89 points. http://www.kellyflemingwines.com/wine_2003.html

[David M. Bueker]

I like that the BV has never seen a dramatic style change. I hope it never does.

I like that the BV has never seen a dramatic style change. I hope it never does.

That's exactly right. I even said to a friend last night that "Boy, they are not making this for the more typical current day fruit loving Cali Cab drinker, are they?) (Not that there is anything WRONG with a fruit-forward Cali wine )