Once the defining Cabernet of the Napa Valley, this bottling remains a high achiever even though it has given up its hold on the title to pricier, smaller volume competition. In this vintage, the wine is ripe if coming up slightly less dramatic than it was in the 2002 edition. Its richness and polish make it attractive now, and it can easily age absorb half a dozen years or more of patient cellaring.

Bright ruby-red. Cassis, licorice and bitter chocolate on the slightly medicinal nose; classic Rutherford character. Tightly wound and a bit unyielding, with dark fruit and mint flavors currently dominated by the wine's rather tough structure.Finishes with chalky tannins and a noticeable greenness.Will this soften with time in bottle?

Rating for United States-California: 92 (slightly better than average year)<br/><br/>Drinkability: unpredictable<br/>