2004 Cabernet Sauvignon - Tierra Roja Vineyard

The Tierra Roja Vineyard that is perched 100 feet above the Oakville Crossroads and Silverado Trail offers both.

Linda Neal has succeeded in growing the grapes for a Cabernet Sauvignon that equals or exceeds the expectation that is carried when you have very famous neighbors.

The terraces of Aiken and Boomer series soils bear the red stain and rusted rocks that have made Oakville famous. When visiting this vineyard, one puffs slowly up to the boulder called "Big Red" and then turns to capture the splendid view. The wine and experiences are not to be forgotten. These are moments to savor and recall friends.

When poured, the 2004 vintage shows the classic dark purple and red of Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa. It's the inviting chocolate, cherry and blackberry aromas that hint at the taste of Oakville. It is the rich palate with its broad fruit entry, big mid-palate and long, savory finish that firmly places this wine in Oakville's east hills.

These wines have set a new standard for the category of wine known loosely as "Big Reds." The Tierra Roja delivers the impact without the rough edges and clumsy weight that can mar other wines. How is it possible to have such layered elegance within such a large framework of wine? Flavors of raspberry, blackberry, cherry, chocolate, cassis, and cocoa all take their turns as the wine rolls effortlessly across the palate into a long, pleasing finish.

When the soil is great and the vineyard owner is driven by a dream, then the wine just might offer something very special. In this case there is no doubt - it does.