2004 Farella Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
(from volcanic soils in the Coombsville area) Good ruby-red. Cassis, chocolate, smoke, pepper and barbecue spices on the nose. Silky on entry, then less fat and sweet in the middle; more backward and tightly coiled. This expands slowly toward the back, finishing very long, with firm tannic spine and a note of licorice. According to winemaker Hirby, this fruit used to go into Opus One and the Mondavi reserve cabernet in the early '90s.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
From the cool climate, rocky terroir of Coombsville, the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Farella Vineyard plays it close to the vest. Black cherry, black currant, menthol, and spice box aromas emerge from this structured, delineated, medium-bodied, elegant wine. It should age nicely for 10-15 years. Previously recommended: 2003 The Bard (93), 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard (93), 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Farella Vineyard (91), 2003 The Tempest (91+). Tel. (707) 967-0226; Fax (707) 967-0227
(100% cabernet sauvignon, from a relatively warm site within the cooler Coombsville area; 15.5% alcohol) Bright medium ruby. Blueberry, licorice and nutty oak on the nose. Sweet, very ripe and liqueur-like, with dark berry and chocolate mint flavors. A big boy, finishing with chewy, slightly rustic tannins.
About the producer
Realm Cellars has become one of Napa Valley’s most compelling modern estates, known for site-driven Cabernet Sauvignon. Drawing from some of the valley’s most sought-after vineyards, Realm’s wines consistently earn top critical acclaim while remaining firmly rooted in place.