90 Points – Connoisseurs' Guide
Gold Medal – 2007 Sonoma County Harvest Fair
The 2004 Owl Ridge T.R. Passalacqua Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from the meticulously farmed Passalacqua Ranch on the western hills of Dry Creek Valley. At about 400 feet in elevation, this is still a fairly warm part of the valley, yielding ripe, juicy Cabernet. The color of this wine is ruby to garnet, with almost no degradation of color at the rim even at 8 years of age, suggesting it still has time to mature. The nose shows classic California Cabernet aromas of blackberry, black currant, kirsch, and pepper. The palate is soft and smooth, with berry and cherry flavors joined by spicy notes. The flavors build on the finish, gaining in complexity and layering, and ending with a note of vanilla. This is a lovely Cabernet that shows how a wine can harmonize if given time to age, and at $29 is a one you should stock up on while you have the chance.
Winemaker: Joseph C. Otos
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, T.R. Passalacqua Vineyard
AVA: Dry Creek Valley
Total Acidity: 6.63 g/L
Alcohol: 14.7%
Total Cases Made: 600 750ml
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
95 Points
Lofty aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and plum mingle with hints of baking spices and a touch of violet. The palate reveals luscious flavors of ripe berries, complemented by notes of black pepper and a subtle earthiness. With well-integrated tannins and a long lingering finish.
92 Points
Inviting aromas of ripe cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate. The palate unfolds with layered flavors of black cherry, raspberry cordial, vanilla bean and spice, where focused tannins envelop, leading to a rich red fruit finish with blue fruit undertones.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
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