Roy Estate Vineyard, 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley, California
Cost: $101/bottle
A browse through a convenient small wine and beer shop (located in an Ocean City, Maryland Hilton Hotel) revealed a rare bottle from Roy, a “garagiste” (or rather, a premium “cult” wine)— a bit steeply priced at about $20 above the winery-direct charge, but worth checking out anyway.
This was dark purple, full-bodied and velvety, with a voluptuous external appearance and texture. Sexy and smooth with aromatics that combined black currants, confectionary sugar-powdered donuts, and vanilla crème, with a marvelous leathery complexity. With some swirling (and just over the one-hour mark), notes of mild mocha emerge. It’s really quite amazing to sniff… with a great layered mouthfeel exhibiting perfect levels of glycerine and a density in the fruit that just wraps the palate. A full 45-second finish with lingering currants, black cherry, and vanilla makes you want to come back for more. It’s easy to take shots at more expensive wines, but this one is packed with the quality and panache that come with a premium worth every cent. A solid serious cabernet from Roy.
Rating: 94
Tags: CABERNET SAUVIGNON, CELLAR NOTES, WINE
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