Tasting Notes With Cabernet of this quality, Ed believes in taking a minimalist approach to winemaking. Vinifying the fruit from each vineyard separately, Ed and his long-time winemaking partner Laurie Hook used tailored pump-over techniques for optimal extraction, and then aged the wines in hand-selected, custom-toasted barrels of new French Nevers oak from coopers with whom they have long-established relationships. The winemakers put the wines through 100-percent malolactic fermentation for added read more...Tasting Notes With Cabernet of this quality, Ed believes in taking a minimalist approach to winemaking. Vinifying the fruit from each vineyard separately, Ed and his long-time winemaking partner Laurie Hook used tailored pump-over techniques for optimal extraction, and then aged the wines in hand-selected, custom-toasted barrels of new French Nevers oak from coopers with whom they have long-established relationships. The winemakers put the wines through 100-percent malolactic fermentation for added complexity and softness, and aged them just over two years before Ed selected the blend that he felt layers the personalities of the vineyards into a harmonious whole. The final blend showcases aromas of black berries, toasty oak, mint, white pepper and cocoa. Black fruit, cassis, caramel, vanilla, brown spices and hints of rose petals coat the palate as ripe supple tannins extend throughout the long finish. Accolades Wine Advocate | Robert Parker, Jr. The final blend for the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve has turned out fabulously. The wine's dense purple color is accompanied by a rich, sumptuous bouquet of creme de cassis, lead pencil shavings, chocolate, toast, and spice box. It possesses fabulous fruit, low acidity, a rich, full-bodied mouthfeel, and a long, pure finish. This cuvee remains one of the most underrated great Cabernet Sauvignons of Napa. In vintages such as this, it is capable of lasting 20-25 years. Wine & Spirits Magazine | Robert Parker, Jr. | December 2007 Ed Sbragia blends this wine from eight sites. The Steinhauer Ranch on Howell Mountain made the largest contribution to this vintage, followed by the St. Helena Home Ranch and the Bancroft Ranch. His 2004 shares the lush seamlessness that has long characterized the blend, but it also has a dark savor, with more character to the tannins than has been apparent in past vintages. The saturated fruit has a gunflint edge, a tight, mineral structure that will develop with age. Serve it with the dark meat of game birds, such as roast squab. Wine Advocate | Robert Parker, Jr. | December 26, 2006 A projected blend of the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve indicates it may equal the 2002. A big, dense purple hue is followed by beautiful aromas of toasty oak, white chocolate, crème de cassis, and blackberries, sweet tannin, an opulent mouthfeel, and a long, rich, fleshy mid-palate as well as finish. It should be delicious young, yet age gracefully for 12-15+ years. 2004 Components: Cabernet Sauvignon: Steinhauer Ranch (42%) St. Helena Home Ranch (18%) Bancroft Ranch (15%) Marston Vineyard (11%) Chabot (3%) Rancho del Oso (3%) Lampyridae (2%) Cabernet Franc from Bancroft Ranch (6%) (hide)