Saturday, March 1, 2008

2004 Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards Right Bank (USA, California, Napa Valley)

Since I have been banned from stepping foot in Ghost Horse’s caves, I have to drink the next best thing available. I reached into my cellar and grabbed this: (by the way, since this ridiculous fiasco of a thread happened on ebeb, I've had 3 gracious invites (from others) to taste wines when I do visit Napa):

Medium in color. Not as intense as I might expect, but very vibrant. The nose is pure vanilla and dark blackberry & red raspberries. The palate had shown some wonderful pure dark black and red fruits of raspberries and blackberries with some Bing cherry, soy, & tobacco. A very restrained style of Cali blend that has more in association with the actual 'right bank' of Bordeaux than anywhere else. The Cab Franc is first and foremost, but does the tight line walk nicely. An ultra lush mouth feel. Somewhat dry and austere, but giving with some coaxing. The Merlot balances this nicely. This wine needs deep examination and an eye toward the future. It's pure, exact, and with the promise of profound, I would hold any others for 5 years. A decent finish 'almost' rounds this out. This needs to flesh itself out, but than will be incredible. (91 pts.)