Rivers-Marie Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Front Bottle Shot
Rivers-Marie Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Front Bottle Shot Rivers-Marie Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Back Bottle Shot

Winemaker Notes

Sometimes there are years in the extreme hills that are perfectly suited to balancing the ruggedness of the wines traditionally produced there. 2004 with its brutal heat in late August turned out to be one of those years. Everything about this wine is a bit sweeter and rounder than its 2003 counterpart. More of a saturated matte black color, the nose is pure bittersweet chocolate with waves of cassis. The palate moves to big Howell Mountain spice, espresso roast, toasted bread, Asian spice and black fruits. There is no shortage of tannin in this wine, it is just a bit riper and sweeter than more traditional vintages. Again, patience in the decanter is the key to realizing the full potential of the wine.

Professional Ratings

  • 89
    Tight yet focused, with firm tannins wrapped around dried currant, anise and hazelnut flavors. Closed and unyielding at this stage, but this is rich and concentrated, picking up loamy earth and berry flavors.
Rivers-Marie

Rivers-Marie

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One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.

Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.

LSB210300_2004 Item# 210300