2004 Parsonage Estate Cabernet

[oostexan]

My second attempt to turn you guys on to this winery. I am hoping Bill Parsons stays under the radar because his wine is just excellent and it is still relatively easy to get.

Do not drink this wine without three hours of air time in the decanter.

I think of this as a new world meets old. Lovely open nose of dark fruit and a little red berry. A little hot at first, but aired out well. Wonderful deep and dark fruit on the palate. Purely dark fruit...blackberry, black cherry, some spice, and tobacco. Zero artificial sweetness and subtly balanced vanilla oak...but the fruit is front and center here. This is a unique, balanced Cab, which I have a hard time finding these days.

Bought it for 40 bucks at the winery and it blows away most of the Napa Cabs I have had over the past several months. I drink this and get excited about what it will evolve into in the next several years. Needs 3 to 5 years in the cellar to fully integrate and develop.

Bill Parsons really is doing first class things with grapes out in Carmel Valley.