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
You may also like:
92 Points
Lofty aromas of ripe red fruits layered with notes of crushed violets, berry cobbler, cherry and creme brulee leading into crushed blackberry with cassis, mocha, leather, mineral, and baking spice. Its all encompassing and bold mouthfeel are outstanding, as deep tannins dance around the palate, finishing with flavors of blackberry, fig, and pipe tobacco.
Exceptional
Aromas of bright oak, essence of lilac, toasted brioche and sage delight your senses. Flavors are just as complex with hints of soft melted butter, quince, fig, and a touch of lavender that titillate your taste buds. Its delightful texture is balanced by great acidity, leading to a long satisfying finish. Truly a chardonnay lovers top pick.
90 Points
Dark ruby red in the glass, and good swirl on the nose offers generous aromatics of cassis, black cherry and spice. Generously oaked, with crushed blackberry, baked plums, baking spices, and Turkish fig. A supple body, gives way to red and dark fruit like plum, blueberry compote, prune, with anise and light spice on the finish.
94 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color and strides confidently out of the glass with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe blackberry, and warm cassis with hints of cherry, black olive, currant and a touch of black pepper.
91 Points
Layers of strawberry, baked cherry pie, anise, cherry lollipop, wild game, and spicebox. On the palate, black cherry jam couples with crème de cassis, mixed berry crisp, rhubarb, and a touch of vanilla.
94 Points
Aromas of cocoa mingle with notes of cassis, black cherry, blackberry coulis, graphite, toasted vanilla, and a hint of cedar. The palate is harmonious as the richness of barrel spice melds seamlessly with juicy plum, blackberry and licorice flavors. An incredibly polished texture, even at a young age. Long and expressive with loads of flavor.
96 Points
Ruby-plum core with a light purple rim in the glass, with aromas of dark cherry, plum, spicy cola and black tea waft from the glass. The palate delivers all of that and then some, adding layers of fig jam, white peppercorn and baking spice. Firm juicy tannins and balanced acidity round it out.
Rich & Luxurious!
Beautiful ruby color and opens with aromas of bright red plum and raspberry, cassis, and a touch of mint. The tannins are soft yet structured, and complemented by vibrant acidity, with hints of clove and baking spice from the oak aging. The wine ends with a long, smooth finish and lingering intensity encouraging you to enjoy another juicy sip.
94 Points
Deep garnet in color from the ripe 2018 vintage, with open aromas of lush fruit – plum, blackberry, and cherry, and notes of cedar, vanilla, and white pepper. Across the palate it's quite seamless and silky, rich and concentrated. The fruit flavors are bold and vibrant. Mouth-filling with smooth tannins, great texture and a long delicious finish.
PDF