by Jason Hagen » Sun Dec 21, 2008 11:16 pm
2003 Rivers-Marie Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley (12/14/2008)
Really enjoying the aromatics. Leather and spice. A rich palate, full bodied and full flavored. Shows more like a cool climate cab when compared to the 04 but this still has lots of ripe luscious fruit. Tannins are strong and acidity is good. Little bit of heat on the short finish. (91 pts.)
2004 Audelssa Estate Winery Tempest - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley (12/2/2008)
We really enjoyed this wine and it continued to improve throughout the evening. The nose was a bit plumy but also mixed with crushed red fruits. Big aromatics. A little cool climate funk. Smelled like there may be some whole cluster in there. On the palate the primary fruit hits hard. After the big fruit it finishes with creamy chocolate. Lots of acid and a bit of tannin. (92 pts.)