Etude Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford 2004

Winemaker's Notes:

The 2004 vintage rewarded us with fully-developed Cabernet Sauvignon with supple and ripe tannins. Bud-break started relatively early and berry set was smaller than average. By early September the grapes were on the verge of full development. Shortly after Labor Day, the dry northeast winds brought hot continental temperatures into the valley. This effectively brought on fast maturity to the grapes right at the end of ripening. The dry winds concentrated an already small yield and the high tempera- tures brought a level of flavor ripeness generally not reached without extended time on the vine. The resulting wines are heady, powerful and delicious. This is the fourth vintage of Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine was produced from some of the oldest Cabernet Sauvignon plantings in the Napa Valley. The majority of the fruit was sourced from the highly-acclaimed Cohn Vineyard, which has been under the watchful eye of two generations of the Cohn family. The fruit from this vineyard exemplifies why Rutherford "dust" is such a hallowed name among Napa Valley Cabernets. Additional Cabernet Sauvignon was selected from the adjacent Morisoli Vineyard, which brings a crushed berry character to the wine. This Rutherford Cabernet was aged for 26 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Inviting aromas of blueberry, boysenberry and gingerbread begin the nose of this ripe, concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon and mingle harmoniously with notes of cocoa powder and olive. The palate has wonderful fruit saturation, opulent texture and balance. Dark berry flavors and hints of the signature Rutherford dust linger on the finish. While wines of this can be aged for many years, it would be a shame not to enjoy this wonderfully ripe, young wine in the near term before putting some away for the long haul. Wine Advocate | Robert M. Parker, Jr. | December 28, 2007The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford possesses abundant amounts of black currant fruit along with that loamy soil character often referred to as "Rutherford dust," hints of bay leaves and mint, along with subtle pain grille and spice box notes. Full-bodied and rich with a velvety texture, it should drink beautifully for 15+ years.