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Search Flickinger Wine Inventory
Inventory updated: Sat, Feb 21, 2026 12:48 PM cst
Your search criteria:
Regions: USA Red
Vintages: Between 2004 and 2004
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| Agharta |
2004 |
Black Label Syrah  |
$115 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 98 (2/2010): Proprietors Pam and Pax Mahle have fashioned a 2004 Syrah called Agharta. Aged 58 months (that’s not a typo) in French oak casks (the 2005, 2006, and 2007 vintages will spend 45-48 months in cask), the extraordinary 2004 is a 475-case blend of 92% Syrah, 5% Grenache, and the rest Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussane. Most of the Syrah comes from the Alder Springs Vineyard in Mendocino. This profound wine’s inky/purple color is followed by aromas of smoky barbecue meats, grilled Provencal herbs, and exotic tropical fruits intermixed with blackberry, cassis, blueberry, and graphite. This super-rich effort tastes like the nectar of Syrah, yet it is dry, elegant, and remarkably fresh and precise. In the mouth, the impression is like that of a multilayered cake - everything is there. This is an amazing, very multi-dimensional wine that must be tasted to be believed. It can be drunk now or cellared for two decades.
VM 92 (6/2010): Dark ruby. A complex, expansive bouquet displays smoky herbs, dark berry liqueur, red- and blackcurrant, potpourri and an exotic apricot pit quality. Lush, pungent dark fruit and floral pastille flavors are complemented by smoky herbal and floral qualities and framed by supple tannins. Leaves spice and licorice notes behind on the long, sappy finish. |
|
| L' Aventure |
2004 |
Optimus Proprietary Blend Scuffed Label |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Babcock Vineyard |
2004 |
Ocean’s Ghost Pinot Noir |
$30 |
5 |
|
| |
|
| Beaux Freres |
2004 |
The Beaux Freres Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$85 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (5/2006): Medium red color. Intense, well-focused aromas of wild strawberry, red plum, fresh rose, sassafras and cola. Sweet and poised, with an impressive delicacy to the red fruit flavors. Offers a silky texture and a sappy, clinging quality. Spicy, elegant and long, displaying seductive floral and spicy tones on the finish. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Beckmen Vineyards |
2004 |
Purisima Mountain Vyd. Grenache |
$20 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 90 (8/2006): I immensely enjoyed the kirsch liqueur, peppery, spicy, Cotes du Rhone-like 2004 Grenache Purisima Mountain. It boasts considerable power, a broad, savory mouthfeel, and a fleshy, heady finish. Low acidity, silky tannin, and fleshy fruit suggest it should be consumed over the next 4-5 years.
VM 88 (9/2006): Slightly reduced aromas of dark raspberry, chocolate and spicecake. Creamy-sweet but with an edge of acidity giving shape to its slightly high-toned red fruit flavors. A bit less firm than the Cuvee Le Bec. Finishes with substantial, slightly drying tannins. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2004 |
Purisima Mountain Vyd. Grenache Wrinkled Label |
$20 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 90 (8/2006): I immensely enjoyed the kirsch liqueur, peppery, spicy, Cotes du Rhone-like 2004 Grenache Purisima Mountain. It boasts considerable power, a broad, savory mouthfeel, and a fleshy, heady finish. Low acidity, silky tannin, and fleshy fruit suggest it should be consumed over the next 4-5 years.
VM 88 (9/2006): Slightly reduced aromas of dark raspberry, chocolate and spicecake. Creamy-sweet but with an edge of acidity giving shape to its slightly high-toned red fruit flavors. A bit less firm than the Cuvee Le Bec. Finishes with substantial, slightly drying tannins. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2004 |
Purisima Mountain Vyd. Grenache Lightly Scuffed Label |
$20 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 90 (8/2006): I immensely enjoyed the kirsch liqueur, peppery, spicy, Cotes du Rhone-like 2004 Grenache Purisima Mountain. It boasts considerable power, a broad, savory mouthfeel, and a fleshy, heady finish. Low acidity, silky tannin, and fleshy fruit suggest it should be consumed over the next 4-5 years.
VM 88 (9/2006): Slightly reduced aromas of dark raspberry, chocolate and spicecake. Creamy-sweet but with an edge of acidity giving shape to its slightly high-toned red fruit flavors. A bit less firm than the Cuvee Le Bec. Finishes with substantial, slightly drying tannins. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Behrens & Hitchcock |
2004 |
Ode To Picasso Proprietary Blend |
$69 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (12/2006): A 265-case blend of 54% Merlot, 25% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah, the impressively concentrated 2004 B and H Ode to Picasso offers hints of charcoal, graphite, black raspberries, blueberries, and cherries. The complex aromatics are followed by a wine with terrific fruit, a lush, opulent attack and mid-palate, and a heady finish. This beautiful red should drink nicely for 5-7 years. |
|
|
2004 |
Ode To Picasso Proprietary Blend Nicked Label |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (12/2006): A 265-case blend of 54% Merlot, 25% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah, the impressively concentrated 2004 B and H Ode to Picasso offers hints of charcoal, graphite, black raspberries, blueberries, and cherries. The complex aromatics are followed by a wine with terrific fruit, a lush, opulent attack and mid-palate, and a heady finish. This beautiful red should drink nicely for 5-7 years. |
|
| Blankiet |
2004 |
Paradise Hills Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$149 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 96 (12/2006): There are 1,300 cases of the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Paradise Hills Vineyard. Boasting delicious fudge-like aromas intermixed with blackberry, coffee bean, and pain grille scents, this super-rich, full-bodied effort displays a Graves-like, volcanic, scorched earth/hot stone element in its flavors. With moderately high tannin, it will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age, and should drink well over the following two decades.
VM 94 (6/2007): Deep ruby. Vibrant, pure aromas of black raspberry and violet. Sweet, primary and sophisticated, with a lovely lightness of touch for a 2004. Very fresh cabernet with a building finish featuring suave, rich tannins and Outstanding length. From fruit picked under more moderate conditions than the merlot, which came in during the heat spike at the beginning of September. |
|
| Cadence Winery |
2004 |
Bel Canto Red |
$40 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 93 (11/2006): 50% cabernet franc, 40% merlot and 10% petit verdot, from a blend of vineyards) Good bright red with ruby highlights. Expressive aromas of blackberry, raspberry, rose petal, licorice, mocha and spices. Sweet, broad and concentrated, with lush, primary dark berry flavors lifted by floral notes of lilac and lavender; this offers lovely mid-palate texture and the definition and verve that come from healthy, well-integrated acidity. The seamless finish features substantial broad, dusty tannins, lovely floral lift and a lingering chocolately sweetness. Very impressive. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 90 (8/2007): The 2004 Red Wine “Bel Canto” is a barrel selection of the best lots from the single vineyard cuvees. It is composed of 50% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot, and 10% Petit Verdot. Purple-colored, it has a smoky nose with aromas of herbs, clove, cassis, and black currants. Supple-textured, the wine cuts a broad path on the palate with layers of flavor, excellent depth, and a long, pure finish. Cellar this classy wine for 3-5 years and drink it through 2027. |
|
|
2004 |
Tapteil Vyd. Red |
$40 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 90 (12/2006): (a blend of 63% cabernet sauvignon, 31% merlot and 6% cabernet franc) Good bright, deep red. Currant, tobacco, minerals, brown spices and a whiff of iodine on the reticent nose. Sweet but firm and youthfully tight, with distinctly wild black fruit and fresh herbal flavors and no excess weight. This, too, is a bit clenched today but the firm tannins are ripe and the finish builds impressively. (A second bottle, decanted for 12 hours, showed a bigger middle palate, with impressive ripeness and silky texture, and rated 91.)
WA 86 (8/2007): The 2004 Red Wine “Tapteil Vineyard" is 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Franc. Dark ruby-colored, it delivers a very good perfume of toasty oak, spice box, cassis, and black currants. This is followed by a moderately intense wine with ample ripe fruit, soft tannin, and a medium long finish. Give this solid effort 2-3 years to fill out, and drink it through 2022. |
|
| Calera |
2004 |
Jensen Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (8/2007): This venerable winery, which has thirty years of history (long by California standards), has turned out a bevy of new releases. The dark ruby/purple-tinged, spicy, full-bodied 2004 Pinot Noir Jensen Vineyard reveals a stunningly complex nose of roasted meat, sweet red and black currants, cherries, earth, and spice. With excellent structure, acidity, and length, it should be another terrific example of this vineyard. Exceptionally long and rich, it should be cellared for 2-3 years and enjoyed over the following 15. |
|
|
2004 |
Mills Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (8/2007): This venerable winery, which has thirty years of history (long by California standards), has turned out a bevy of new releases. The 2004 Pinot Noir Mills Vineyard boasts a deep ruby/purple color along with seductive, sweet aromas of black raspberries, black cherries, spring flowers, and spice. It possesses beautiful red and black fruits, good acidity, full body, and more tannin, but less spice than the Reed cuvee. This complex, fruit-driven Pinot Noir will benefit from 1-3 years of cellaring, and should drink well for 10-15 years. |
|
| Camaraderie Cellars |
2004 |
Cabernet Franc |
$20 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2004 |
Grace Proprietary Blend |
$30 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| JK Carriere |
2004 |
Anderson Family Pinot Noir |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (10/2007): The 2004 Pinot Noir “Anderson Family” seems to fit Jim Prosser’s profile of what he is attempting to achieve. Medium ruby-colored, the wine has a lovely bouquet of rose petal, toast, spice box, cherry, and black raspberry. On the palate the wine is elegant with uplifting acidity and a solid core of racy, sweet fruit. This harmonious effort is beautifully balanced and long. Give it 3-4 years in the cellar and drink it through 2024. It is one of the stars of the vintage. |
|
| Carter Cellars |
2004 |
Weitz Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Constant |
2004 |
Diamond Mountain Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$70 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 92 (4/2014): Constant’s youthful 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain Vineyards reveals a deep ruby/purple-tinged color as well as lots of raspberry and blueberry fruit. From a 2,100-foot elevation, this elegant, cool climate Cabernet Sauvignon (which includes small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Merlot) shows no hint of herbaceousness or the earthy underbrush character high elevation vineyards can produce when they do not achieve full ripeness. With medium body as well as outstanding concentration and purity, should continue to evolve and drink well for another 15-20 years, developing even more fragrance as it ages. It is filled with finesse, a characteristic Napa is often accused of not being able to produce.
VM 88+ (3/2015): Bright medium ruby. Aromas of cassis, kirsch and graphite minerality are lifted by violet and menthol notes. Supple on entry, then chewy and primary in the mid-palate, with rather gritty tannins arriving early and giving the wine a toughness. Will this distinctly medicinal Cabernet blossom in the bottle? Certainly it still needs time in the cellar. (Drink between 2020-2028). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Corliss |
2004 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 93+ (11/2008): Deep ruby-red. Classic cabernet-dominated aromas of currant, minerals, herbs and pepper. Then gripping and precise in the mouth, with terrific cut and perfume to its berry and mineral flavors. Finishes with firm but fine tannins and superb lingering perfume. A very solidly structured cabernet that should gain in complexity and texture for a decade or two. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 90 (10/2009): The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon is composed of 75% Cabernet with the balance made up of four other Bordeaux grapes. It, too, was aged for 28-32 months in 60% new French oak. It displays an alluring bouquet of pain grille, pencil lead, spice box, violets, and black currant. In the mouth, it is a bit more structured than the Red Wine cuvee while also revealing a Bordeaux-like personality. Give it 4-6 years of additional bottle age and drink it from 2013 to 2021. |
|
|
2004 |
Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 91+ (11/2008): Good deep ruby-red. Fruit-driven aromas of cassis and blueberry. Sweet and lush but much less approachable today than the 2003 version, with its dark berry fruit in the background. Finishes with substantial, slightly tough tannins that will call for a good five or six years of cellaring. But then this wine won't be released until the fall of 2009. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 90 (10/2009): The 2004 Red Wine is made up of equal parts Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot aged in 60% new oak for 28-32 months. It offers up an enticing nose of spice box, tobacco, cassis, and black cherry. Made in an elegant style with soft tannins, this flavorful, Bordeaux-like effort will evolve for 2-3 years and drink well from 2011 to 2019. |
|
| Dancing Hares |
2004 |
Proprietary Blend |
$75 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (4/2014): A blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 24% Cabernet Franc that spent 22 months in 100% new French oak, this small boutique project boasts the well-known Bordeaux oenologist, Michel Rolland, as their consultant. The 2004 boasts lots of black currant and black cherry fruit intermixed with spicy notes in a medium to full-bodied, opulent, well-balanced style. Even though the color is still youthful, the wine appears to be close to full maturity. With soft tannins, decent acidity and a plump, round, generous mouthfeel, this seductive red can be enjoyed over the next decade. |
|
| Diamond Creek |
2004 |
Gravelly Meadow Cabernet Sauvignon Signs of Old Seepage |
$199 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Donum |
2004 |
Carneros Pinot Noir |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 89 (12/2007): The 2004 Pinot Noir has a gorgeously sweet and ripe nose of black cherries and currants intermixed with some spring flowers and undergrowth. Medium-bodied, straightforward, but pure and reminiscent of a premier cru from the Cotes de Beaune, this wine should drink nicely for 4-5 years. |
|
| DuMol |
2004 |
Russian River Valley Syrah |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 90-92 (12/2005): The 2004 Syrah Russian River exhibits abundant notes of black fruits, asphalt, and pepper in a deep, chewy, rich style. It should drink well young, and keep for 7-8 years. |
|
|
2004 |
Ryan Pinot Noir |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 91+ (2/2007): Good medium red. Subdued but nuanced aromas of dark cherry, blood orange, smoke, meat and a whiff of white pepper. Round and broad but not at all sweet; offers very good depth and considerable sap and complexity. Finishes with suave tannins and very good structure. Very interesting, youthful pinot.
WA 91 (12/2006): There are 600 cases of the 2004 Pinot Noir Ryan, which offers wonderful sweet black cherry fruit intertwined with sassafras, Allspice, forest floor, and fresh mushrooms. This rich, medium to full-bodied Pinot should drink well for 7-8 years. |
|
| Robert Foley Vineyards |
2004 |
Claret |
$95 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 95 (12/2006): The inky/purple-hued, seamless 2004 Claret boasts gorgeous aromas of creme de cassis, blackberries, smoke, licorice, espresso roast, and spring flowers. With sensational concentration, full body, a voluptuous mouthfeel, decent acidity, and sweet tannin, it can be drunk now and over the next 10-15 years.
VM 92+ (6/2007): (90% cabernet sauvignon and 10% merlot) Saturated medium ruby. Very dark aromas of blackberry, licorice, minerals, tar and molten chocolate. Wonderfully ripe, thick and supple but not overly sweet. In fact, this tannic, brooding, youthfully backward wine is distinctly clenched today and not yet expressing its inherent complexity. Finishes with a medicinal austerity and big, dusty tannins. This boasts terrific fruit but needs four or five years of cellaring. |
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| Franciscan Estate |
2004 |
Magnificat Proprietary Blend |
$75 |
1 |
|
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| Frank Family |
2004 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$30 |
1 |
|
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| Fuccawee |
2004 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$45 |
3 |
|
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| Grace Family Vineyards |
2004 |
Blank Cabernet Sauvignon |
$135 |
2 |
|
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| VM 90 (6/2007): Good red-ruby. Aromas of redcurrant, cherry, earth, smoke and tobacco. Sweet and plump, with moderately complex flavors of redcurrant, gravel and loam; showing less of the eucalyptus character of past vintages, which winemaker Gary Brookman attributes to the maturing vines (they were planted in 1998), the small crop level, and an element of dehydration in 2004. Finishes with sweet tannins. Stephen Tanzer. |
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| Grand Reve |
2004 |
Collaboration I Proprietary Blend |
$45 |
1 |
|
| |
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| Grgich Hills |
2004 |
Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 87+ (5/2008): Plum, smoke, tobacco, earth and menthol on the nose, with a lightly vegetal aspect. Then moderately dense and tightly wound, with a distinctly herbal quality to the red fruit and tobacco flavors. Offers good palate coverage on the back, but the wine's slightly edgy acids and building tannins call for a few years of patience. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Hoopes Vineyard |
2004 |
Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon |
$50 |
1 |
|
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| Jaffurs |
2004 |
Ampelos Vyd. Syrah |
$35 |
6 |
|
| |
VM 91 (9/2006): Deep, saturated ruby. Wild aromas of blackberry, blueberry, flowers and game. Sweet, lush and suave in the mouth, with superconcentrated fruit showing an almost liqueur-like ripeness. Very dense and very sweet syrah, finishing long and ripely tannic. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 91 (8/2006): A big wine, the inky/blue/purple-tinged 2004 Syrah Ampelos Vineyard reveals plenty of black currant and black cherry fruit along with smoky, graphite notes, nicely integrated oak, terrific full-bodied intensity, and a long, heady finish. Consume it over the next 7-8 years. |
|
|
2004 |
Thompson Vyd. Petite Sirah |
$50 |
5 |
|
| |
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| Juslyn |
2004 |
Perry’s Blend Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
8 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (12/2007): The 2004 Perry’s Blend, which is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, emerges from fruit on Spring Mountain as well as Howell Mountain. There are 500 cases of this wine, which is showing better than it did from barrel last year. The wine has beautiful up-front notes of lead pencil shavings, sweet black currant and black cherry fruit intermixed with hints of licorice, underbrush, and spice. The wine is long, rich, beautifully textured, medium to full-bodied, and supple, with silky tannins in the finish. It should drink beautifully for 10-15 years. |
|
| Kamen Estate |
2004 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$60 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (12/2007): The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, which I reviewed last year, has become more complex but, other than that, has hardly moved. Made from Kamen’s 40 acres of land on the Sonoma side of Mt. Veeder, the wine displays a sexy nose reminiscent of a top Graves wine from Bordeaux (scorched earth, hot bricks, charcoal, and plenty of black cherry and black currant). The wine is sensual, lush, and a totally captivating style of wine to drink over the next 12-15 years. |
|
| Kanzler Vineyards |
2004 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
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| Kapcsandy Family |
2004 |
State Lane Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$250 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 95 (12/2006): A breakthrough effort, the 2004 Proprietary Red Wine State Lane Vineyard is a combination of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. Its dense ruby/purple color is accompanied by lovely, evolved aromas of blueberries, black currants, white chocolate, licorice, and pain grille. Medium to full-bodied, elegant, finely etched, and impeccably well-balanced, with abundant amounts of sweet fruit, it should evolve for another 15-20 years.
VM 90 (6/2007): (a blend of 60% cabernet sauvignon and 40% merlot) Bright, deep ruby. Pungent aromas of blackberry, black licorice, tar, bitter chocolate and lead pencil. Sweeter than the 2003 but also quite juicy; this possesses a strong spine of acidity but the acids are more successfully integrated than in the 2003 thanks to more supporting flesh. Silky in the middle but the tannins are a bit tough. The merlot was affected by the heat spike in early September, noted Lou Kapcsandy. |
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| Kistler |
2004 |
Kistler Vyd. Cuvee Catherine Pinot Noir Very Heavily Bin-Soiled Label |
$150 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 93 (5/2007): Dark violet. Intensely aromatic nose offers powerful blackberry and plum compote aromas. Very fresh in the mouth (the pH is 3.4, Kistler says), with vibrant red and dark berry flavors and taut minerality. Dry, focused and pure on the finish, with outstanding persistence and lingering dark berry flavors. Serious pinot: a great marriage of sweet fruit and soil tones. Josh Raynolds.
BH 88 (10/2007): A very ripe and moderately expressive nose of menthol, mocha, cherry cough syrup and blueberry fruit aromas introduce more restrained and nicely detailed full-bodied flavors that manage to keep all of the weight and extract reasonably well focused. While I wouldn't call this exactly light on its feet, the balance is better and though I believe there are many better ways to spend $90 on fine pinot, this offers solid if not better quality. (Drink starting 2010). |
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| Kosta Browne |
2004 |
Amber Ridge Vyd. Syrah |
$59 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 88+ (6/2006): Ruby-red. Musky aromas of black cherry, blackberry, tar, pepper and game. Sweet and dense if a bit youthfully reduced, with solid, chunky fruit lifted by spice and pepper notes. Finishes with rather powerful but slightly dry tannins. I suspect this will be more harmonious by the time it's released in the spring of 2007. |
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|
2004 |
Estate Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$59 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2004 |
Kanzler Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 89+ (6/2006): Good full red. Exotic blackberry, raspberry, minerals, spicy oak and earth on the nose. Dense but tight on the palate, with sappy red berry flavors offering very good intensity and lift. This, too, is almost liqueur-like but retains good freshness of red fruit flavor. In a rather masculine style, finishing with solid tannic structure. From a late-ripening spot, notes Browne. I'd give this one a good two or three years in the cellar.
BH 88 (7/2006): A very ripe nose with hints of cola, mocha and briar folds into very rich and impressively concentrated flavors that possess a cherry-liqueur like quality to them. This is quite forward and while not soft, there is velvety quality to the finish that presently masks what are firm tannins on the pepper-infused and again, youthfully tangy and noticeably warm finish. Drink: 2009+ |
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| Lagier Meredith |
2004 |
Mt. Veeder Syrah |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (12/2006): This serious, complex, dark ruby/purple-tinged 2004 Syrah reveals a lovely perfume of licorice, acacia flowers, ground pepper, cassis, and blackberries. A beautiful integration of wood gives the wine elegance as well as a savory character. With loads of fruit, an expansive mouthfeel, a silky texture, and fine balance, this lovely, nuanced Syrah should drink nicely for 5-7 years. |
|
| Herb Lamb Vineyards |
2004 |
E II Red Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Larkmead Vineyards |
2004 |
LMV Salon Proprietary Blend |
$99 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 98 (4/2014): The 2004 Salon is a proprietary blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot, 8% Merlot and 3% Malbec. It possesses a youthful dense purple color along with an explosive nose of spring flowers, black raspberries and black currants, a touch of graphite, but no evidence of oak. The wine boasts extraordinary opulence and complexity, multiple dimensions, endless depth and richness, and perfect balance. This compelling 2004 is one of the superstars of the vintage. Approachable now, it should age for 20-30+ years, possibly as long as 50 years.
VM 90 (8/2019): Dark red color is more vibrant than that of the '04 Solari Reserve. Very ripe, slightly high-toned aromas of raspberry, graphite, mocha, coffee and tobacco. Very smooth, fat and thick, conveying a liqueur-like warmth to its raspberry and plum flavors; notes of licorice and exotic spices emerge with aeration. A bit longer than the Solari Reserve but aggressive as well, finishing with tongue-clenching tannins that turned increasingly dry in the glass. (15.7% alcohol) (Drink between 2019-2023). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2004 |
Solari Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$209 |
6 |
|
| |
WA 99 (4/2014): Another titan of Napa Valley is Larkmead’s 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Solari Reserve. Composed of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot, it is a sumptuous, virtually perfect expression of wine with an inky/purple color, beautiful floral aromas intermixed with sweet, pure black currants and hints of licorice as well as subtle oak. The extraordinary ripeness of the tannins, the flawless integration of acidity, tannin, wood and alcohol, the remarkable finish, and the full-bodied texture make for a tour de force in winemaking. It can be drunk now, but will benefit from another 2-3 years of cellaring. It will age effortlessly for 20-40+ years.
VM 90 (8/2019): Medium red. Roasted aromas of dark berries, plum, black cherry, truffle and chocolate show a hint of incipient oxidation. Large-scaled, thick and a bit aggressive--from the earliest harvest for Larkmead until 2014. Plenty of sweetness here to buffer the wine's slightly drying tannins. Finishes with an impressive blast of black cherry. I had a much firmer and more minerally sample of this wine as part of my 2004 Napa Cabernet horizontal tasting in 2015, but this bottle is fully evolved. (16.2% alcohol) (Drink starting 2019). Stephen Tanzer. |
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| Levy & McClellan |
2004 |
Proprietary Blend Scuffed Label |
$259 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (12/2007): Their debut vintage, the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, which was bottled earlier this year, is a fabulous effort. This 350-case cuvee boasts an opaque purple color as well as an expressive nose of scorched earth, blackberries, cassis, and hints of espresso, melted chocolate, licorice, and spice box. Rich and full-bodied, with silky tannin, tremendous texture, and a profound, multilayered mouthfeel, this sensational Cabernet should drink well for two decades or more.
VM 93 (6/2007): Deep medium ruby. Complex, pure aromas of cassis, mocha, brown spices, licorice and menthol. Chewy, lush and aromatic in the mouth, with remarkable intensity and depth for a vineyard planted in 1999. Thoroughly ripe flavors of dark berries and spices. What I like best about this wine is its layered texture and very sweet, ripe, fine-grained tannins. This is the new venture of husband-and-wife team Bob Levy (winemaker at Harlan Estate and Bond) and Martha McClellan (Sloan and Blankiet), from a vineyard leased from McClellan's parents. The budbreak in this site on Franz Valley School Road, at an altitude of 600 to 700 feet, occurs later than in Oakville, and afternoon wind routinely cools things down during the peak of summer, according to Levy. |
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| Long Shadows Wineries |
2004 |
Feather Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
3 |
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| |
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| Macauley |
2004 |
Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (12/2007): A brilliant effort from a great grand cru site is the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard. It possesses an opaque ruby/purple color, full-bodied power, and notes of charcoal, pain grille, creme de cassis, licorice, and incense. This full, opulent, fleshy wine coats the palate, displaying a seamless integration of all its component parts. Drink it over the next 12-15+ years. |
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| Miura |
2004 |
Talley Vyd. Pinot Noir Slightly Depressed Cork |
$49 |
1 |
|
| |
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| O'Shaughnessy |
2004 |
Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon |
$119 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95 (4/2014): The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain displays a classic Howell Mountain personality of graphite, plums, black currants, forest floor as well as good minerality. A beautiful texture, full-bodied mouthfeel, terrific purity and a long finish make for a sensational, showy, flamboyant Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink it over the next 10-15 years.
VM 93 (4/2018): Dark red with ruby highlights. Maturing scents of plum, currant, cranberry, tobacco and loam are complicated by caramel and iron nuances. Plush, densely packed and compellingly rich, with moderate sweetness nicely countered by saline minerality. Finishes quite long, with a solid backbone of ripe, broad tannins; this wine is evolving nicely and already makes a very satisfying drink. This was the first vintage of this bottling to include seven of the estate's Bordeaux varieties--but not the Gros Verdot, which has never been used in the blend. (Drink between 2018-2030). Stephen Tanzer. |
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| Pax |
2004 |
Kobler Family Syrah |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 91+ (5/2006): Good bright, deep ruby. High-pitched aromas of red berries, white pepper, brown spices and wild herbs, lifted by a note of rose petal. Juicy and penetrating; not a fleshy style but intensely flavored and light on its feet, with almost pinot-like floral lift to its berry, spice and pepper flavors. This wine, from a cold spot, is one of the lowest in alcohol of Pax's 2004 releases, at 14.6%. Finishes juicy and firmly tannic. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 90+ (12/2005): The 2004 Syrah Kobler Family Vineyard (90% Syrah and 10% Viognier) reveals a fragrant, northern Rhone-like perfume of rose petals and creme de cassis, tart acidity, and a big, rich, chewy finish. It could easily pass for a Cote Rotie in a blind tasting. |
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|
2004 |
The Emerald Pool Alder Springs Vyd. Syrah |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94-96+ (12/2005): The 2004 Syrah Alder Springs The Emerald Pool, from a new block of the Alder Springs Vineyard, was fashioned from fruit grown in pure volcanic/gravel soils. The result is a wine offering notes of scorched earth, smoked meats, blackberries, cassis, and flowers. With more than 16% alcohol, superb stuffing, texture, and intensity, this beauty possesses tremendous power interwoven with considerable elegance and definition. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020.
VM 92+ (6/2006): Saturated ruby. Tarry, raw cassis and kirsch complicated by star anise, pepper and a whiff of white fruit on the nose. Highly concentrated and densely packed, with powerful dark fruit flavors complicated by spices, pepper, minerals, burnt cinders and sexy woodsmoke. Distinctly feral wine ("the evil side of syrah," comments Mahle). Finishes with outsized tannins. |
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|
2004 |
The Emerald Pool Alder Springs Vyd. Syrah Cracked Wax Capsule |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94-96+ (12/2005): The 2004 Syrah Alder Springs The Emerald Pool, from a new block of the Alder Springs Vineyard, was fashioned from fruit grown in pure volcanic/gravel soils. The result is a wine offering notes of scorched earth, smoked meats, blackberries, cassis, and flowers. With more than 16% alcohol, superb stuffing, texture, and intensity, this beauty possesses tremendous power interwoven with considerable elegance and definition. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020.
VM 92+ (6/2006): Saturated ruby. Tarry, raw cassis and kirsch complicated by star anise, pepper and a whiff of white fruit on the nose. Highly concentrated and densely packed, with powerful dark fruit flavors complicated by spices, pepper, minerals, burnt cinders and sexy woodsmoke. Distinctly feral wine ("the evil side of syrah," comments Mahle). Finishes with outsized tannins. |
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|
2004 |
The Terraces Alder Springs Vyd. Syrah |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 93 (12/2006): The 2004 Syrah Alder Springs Vineyard The Terraces exhibits beautiful, pure blueberry and blackberry fruit intermixed with smoke and toasty oak. Rich, broad, and savory with light to moderate tannin, it will drink well for 7-8 years.
VM 90+ (6/2006): Saturated medium ruby. Extremely unevolved nose features some exotic suggestions of apricot, peach and spice. Powerful, firmly built and superripe, with penetrating acidity and a distinct peppery element from the fermentation with the stems. Strong in tannic acidity, notes Mahle. As ripe as this is, there's nothing heavy about it. Still, this very juicy, tight wine is distinctly edgy today and is dominated by its spine. Needs patience. |
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| Plumpjack |
2004 |
St. Helena Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon |
$119 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Quilceda Creek |
2004 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$350 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 99 (8/2007): The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon contains 3% Merlot and 1% Cabernet with the wine sourced from the Champoux, Klipsun, and Taptiel Vineyards. It was aged for 22 months in 100% new French oak. There are 3400 cases produced, most of it sold through the winery’s mailing list and the rest in a handful of markets. Opaque purple-colored, it delivers a remarkable array of aromas including pain grille, violets, pencil lead, truffle, Asian spices, black currant, and blueberry. This leads to a lustrous, layered, velvet-textured wine with gobs of spicy, ripe black fruits and beautifully integrated oak, tannin, and acidity. The long, pure finish goes on for well over a minute. It will evolve for a decade and drink well through 2045. I was able to retaste the 2001, 2002, and 2003 vintages and can only say that Monsieur Rovani’s notes and scores are right on the bulls-eye.
VM 93-96 (12/2006): (with 3% merlot and 1% cabernet franc) Medium ruby. Aromas of cassis, black rasperry, smoke, mocha, coffee and tobacco; still a bit suppressed by SO2 Sweeter and fatter today than the 2003, with a distinct chocolatey flavor, but in its muted state this lacks the high notes of the earlier vintage and shows less obvious spine. But the terrific breadth of the wine is already obvious, and the finish is pliant and long, with building, ripe tannins. |
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| Realm |
2004 |
The Tempest Proprietary Blend |
$100 |
6 |
|
| |
WA 91 (12/2006): The impressive 2004 The Tempest, a 524-case blend of 60% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot, exhibits an inky/ruby/purple color as well as a big, rich nose of melted licorice, white chocolate, espresso, blackberries, and cherries. Super-pure, intense, and silky-textured, this stunning wine will drink beautifully for 8-12 years.
VM 89 (6/2007): Ruby-red. Aromas of plum, redcurrant, tobacco and minerals. Sweet and plump, with sound acids framing the black plum and spice flavors. Finishes with dusty tannins and good juicy persistence. |
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| Rhys |
2004 |
Family Farm Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
| BH 88 (7/2006): Harvey indicated that the oak regimen on this wine was an experiment and I can see why as the impact on the wine is distinctly different from any of the others reviewed here. The reason is that there is noticeable oak toast framing the violet and red berry fruit aromas and it continues onto the sweet, round and delicious flavors that offer good concentration and plenty of depth on the admirably long finish. If you're not sensitive to oak in general, you will undoubtedly find this more to your taste than mine but the wine is unquestionably marked by its oak. This is also solidly structured and will be capable of up to a decade of improvement. |
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| Saxum |
2004 |
Bone Rock James Berry Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (9/2006): (85% syrah, with 12% grenache and 3% mourvedre; 15.8% alcohol) Deep, bright ruby-red. Deeply pitched aromas of black raspberry, violet, gunflint, tobacco, tar and cola. Lush and sweet but firm and imploded; deeper and more concentrated than the "regular" James Berry bottling but less evolved. Finishes with superb breadth and viscosity, but has the ripe acids-not to mention the rocky minerality-to maintain its shape and balance. Wonderfully deep wine. Stephen Tanzer. |
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|
2004 |
James Berry Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$109 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 93 (10/2006): Deep ruby-red. Slightly high-toned aromas of cherry, truffle, cotton candy and smoked meat. Silky-sweet and seductive on entry, then sappy and spicy in the middle, with terrific acidity framing and lifting the blueberry and violet flavors. Wonderfully sweet wine, finishing with smooth tannins and lovely perfume. A superb example of the captivating blends being made in Paso Robles from Rhone Valley grapes. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 91 (8/2006): The deep ruby/purple-hued 2004 James Berry Vineyard (500 cases) is a blend of 38% Syrah, 36% Grenache, and 26% Mourvedre. Sweet kirsch, licorice, cassis, and floral notes are found in this supple, round, tasty effort. Reminiscent of a 2003 Cotes de Nuits grand cru red Burgundy, it is complex as well as surprisingly forward. However, I suspect there is plenty in reserve. It will be interesting to follow this wine’s evolution. I do not think it will be one of Proprietor Justin Smith’s blockbusters, but it’s a beauty. |
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| Selene |
2004 |
Chesler Proprietary Blend |
$59 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (12/2007): Displaying even more style and elegance, the 2004 Chesler exhibits a deeper ruby/purple color along with opulent, full-bodied flavors of creme de cassis, sweet cherries, licorice, and spice box. It is a broad, savory, rich, full-bodied red that retains the hallmark elegance and purity for which Mia Klein’s winemaking is known. It should drink well for 10-15 years. |
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| Dom. Serene |
2004 |
Jerusalem Hill Pinot Noir |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
BH 91 (10/2007): (bottled unfiltered and unfined at 14.5%) Relatively discreet oak spice adds nuance to the ripe and seductive essence of red berry liqueur aromas that are picked up by the round, supple and forward middle weight flavors that culminate in a sappy and tangy finish of fine length. This is still youthfully awkward but should come around in time to deliver fine quality in a somewhat modern style. Drink 2010+.
WA 83 (10/2007): The 2004 Pinot Noir “Jerusalem Hill” comes from an estate-owned vineyard planted in 1999. The wine currently exhibits more oak than fruit aromatically as well as damp earth with some dark fruit aromas in the background. That leads to a firmly structured wine with a compact mid-palate and a slightly hard finish. Drink it near-term. |
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| Silver Oak |
2004 |
Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Sine Qua Non |
2004 |
Covert Fingers Pinot Noir Cracked Wax Capsule |
$299 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 95 (8/2006): The knockout, deep ruby/purple/plum 2004 Covert Fingers Pinot Noir exhibits a slightly restrained nose revealing sweet cranberry and cassis aromas interwoven with hints of flowers, charcoal, and oak, a savory, broad texture, and an opulent, voluptuous finish. This beauty should drink well for a decade or more.
VM 93 (10/2006): Bright red-ruby. Pure, pungent aromas of raspberry and spices; very pinot! Densely packed, supple and sweet, with pure red berry, spice and earth flavors. Has a thickness of texture while retaining verve. Finishes with fine, supple tannins and lovely subtle length. Not as complex as Krankl's top syrahs, but this is delicious, and as graceful a pinot as I recall tasting from this producer. My sample showed even more intense raspberry and spice flavors the second day, without any loss of freshness. (I must note, however, that my first two bottles were corked.) |
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|
2004 |
Ode to E Grenache (1.5 L) |
$1,199 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (6/2014): Leading off with the Grenache-driven efforts, and easily the greatest expression of the variety I’ve ever tasted from California, the 2004 Ode to E (Grenache) is mind-blowing stuff that will stand toe-to-toe with the greatest Grenache-based wines ever made. Coming from Manfred’s Eleven Confessions Vineyard and comprised of 88% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 2% Viognier, it sports a still vibrant purple color to go with off-the-hook aromas and flavors of creme de cassis, melted licorice, graphite, smoked herbs and assorted meaty nuances. Full-bodied, seamless and elegant, with incredible purity and a perfect texture, it can be consumed anytime over the coming decade.
VM 97 (8/2015): The 2004 Grenache Ode to E is absolutely stellar. There's not too much more to say. Still young, fresh and vibrant, the 2004 is incredibly impressive. Exotic spice, rose petals, raspberry jam all open up in an effortless, nuanced wine bursting at the seams with personality. Exquisitely nuanced and balanced, the 2004 is a gem. Readers who own the 2004 should be thrilled; as it is a magnificent wine by any measure. My favorite age to drink Sine Qua Non wines is around ten years. The Ode to E Grenache delivers the goods, and then some. The blend is 88% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 2% Viognier, all from Eleven Confessions. Antonio Galloni. |
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| Stags' Leap Winery |
2004 |
The Leap Cabernet Sauvignon Scuffed Label |
$70 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (12/2007): A terrific effort is the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Leap Estate Reserve. This beautiful Cabernet possesses all the elegance one expects from the Stags Leap District in addition to notes of mulberries, black cherries, cedar, and loamy soil. Medium to full-bodied and fragrant, with a Margaux-like delicacy and finesse, and endearing purity and depth, it should drink well for 12-15+ years. |
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| Teachworth |
2004 |
Estate Blend Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2004 |
Manzanita Hill Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2004 |
Rattlesnake Ridge Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Turley Wine Cellars |
2004 |
Dragon Vyd. Zinfandel |
$89.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (6/2006): Good ruby-red. Aromatic nose combines blueberry and blackberry liqueur, licorice and flowers. Dense, peppery and sweet, with briary berry flavors complemented by dark chocolate. Finishes with chewy, building tannins and a flavor of black cherry. Stephen Tanzer. |
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|
2004 |
Dusi Vyd. Zinfandel |
$59.99 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 91 (6/2006): Good full ruby. Aromas of black raspberry, blackberry, espresso and pepper show an almost liqueur-like ripeness. Fat, velvety and broad, with very ripe flavors of roasted fruits and licorice. A saline character contributes to the wine's impression of thickness. Not hugely fruity, but finishes with sweet tannins and excellent length.
WA 89-91 (12/2005): The 2004 Zinfandel Dusi Vineyard is well-made, but not one of the top wines of this portfolio. |
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|
2004 |
Mead Ranch Zinfandel |
$69.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 90+ (6/2006): Turley has taken over the farming of the vines in his block of this vineyard) Bright ruby. Quite primary on the nose, with a pronounced rocky character to the cool blackberry and mint aromas. Juicy and densely packed, with impressive concentration and breadth. Roasted raspberry and chocolate flavors are still a bit youthfully unevolved, and the wine's substantial building tannins argue for a year or so of patience. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Twomey Cellars (Silver Oak) |
2004 |
Merlot |
$30 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 86-87 (12/2005): The 2004 Merlot (93% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc) exhibits plenty of earth, herb, mocha, and sweet cherry and currant fruit in its ripe, oaky style. The impressive attack is followed by a dry, austere finish without the necessary depth of fruit and texture to back up the wood and structure. |
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| Woodward Canyon |
2004 |
Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
|
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