Winemaker Notes
This blend holds preciously to this graphite note. The Mast added flesh in the middle that the wine needed, and a little of that Margeaux perfume Robert Parker found in 2004 Mast. Together they make a seductive wine, not as big as the Mast by itself, but a wine that may have more layers. Cassis (really), coffee, and a little chocolate. Decant for at least an hour before enjoying, for there is still some mountain edge to the fruit. When stuff like this comes together, it makes winemaking one of life’s greater joys.
Additional notes from the winemaker: "It is my first blend and considering TOR wines have always been single vineyard wines up to now, it went under the ROCK brand for 2004. In the future, ALL Cabernet Sauvignons (and Chardonnays) will be TOR wines. ALL Syrah will be ROCK. Sorry for the confusion in 2004. Won’t happen again. So enjoy what should be the first and last ROCK Cabernet Sauvignon."
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The superb 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain possesses a dark ruby/purple hue as well as graphite, blueberry, and cassis characteristics. Medium to full-bodied, with luscious fruit, fine opulence, sweetness, flamboyance, and a front-end loaded character.
Range: 92-94
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.