Superripe aromas of black cherry and Cuba n tobacco. Lush and seamless, with a sappy, liqueur-like sweetness of dark raspberry and blackberry fruit. Offers an uncanny combination of sheer density and inner-palate energy. The finishing flavors go on and on. I found this sample at least as supple and sweet as the young 2003 Harlan Estate, but these wines still have another nine months or so in barrel. Winemaker Levy describes the St. Eden cuvee as more powerful and concentrated than Melbury, with m...

"The 2003 St. Eden offers full-bodied, sweet cigar tobacco, spice, licorice, and meaty characteristics, good richness and fatness, and huge concentration and intensity. Performing even better from bottle than it did from barrel, it is a strong candidate for the top wine of the vintage. Already accessible, this beauty should age effortlessly for 15-20 years."

Community Tasting Notes (average 94.8 pts. and median of 95 pts. in 9 notes)

A bit green in character but very elegant and sharp than the Shafer Hillside Select 2003 as it was also tasted side to side. Took about 3 hours to really open up and become drinkable. Very lush and polished.

excellent, smooth,

finess