Freemark Abbey
Sycamore Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, USA
I know this is a mass produced winery, but this single vineyard wine is phenomenal. Had the '05 a few months ago and thought it was in a great spot. In-laws wanted to stop by while we were here, and they kindly poured us this '04. They are about to put the '04 vintage away for 10 years. Already in a great spot now, in 5 years, this will peak. Pepper, fresh earth, leather and boysenberry on the palate. One of the best '04s I've had.
I know this is a mass produced winery, but this single vineyard wine is phenomenal. Had the '05 a few months ago and thought it was in a great spot. In-laws wanted to stop by while we were here, and they kindly poured us this '04. They are about to put the '04 vintage away for 10 years. Already in a great spot now, in 5 years, this will peak. Pepper, fresh earth, leather and boysenberry on the palate. One of the best '04s I've had.
Feb 4th, 2017
12 years young. So much life ahead of this one.
12 years young. So much life ahead of this one.
Oct 22nd, 2016
At the in-laws so that means it's Freemark Abbey time. I've had enough of their Freemarks to know that 10 years is about right and this one is definitely at peak. I would have picked another wine with chips and guac, but in the end it worked out just fine.
At the in-laws so that means it's Freemark Abbey time. I've had enough of their Freemarks to know that 10 years is about right and this one is definitely at peak. I would have picked another wine with chips and guac, but in the end it worked out just fine.
May 31st, 2015Probably a year or 2 away from optimal. And this one is 16 years young. Nose of lightly toasted oak, dark chocolate, blackberry. Entry showing just about zero signs of age. Blackberry, tobacco, fig, hint of smoke. Still has lots of acidity throughout. Finishes with darker notes. Dusty tannin. Really amazing how this one IMO is still on the youthful side of the curve and still on the upswing. Really nice wine, but if you have this one it will probably be at the top of the hill in 2 or 3 years.
Probably a year or 2 away from optimal. And this one is 16 years young. Nose of lightly toasted oak, dark chocolate, blackberry. Entry showing just about zero signs of age. Blackberry, tobacco, fig, hint of smoke. Still has lots of acidity throughout. Finishes with darker notes. Dusty tannin. Really amazing how this one IMO is still on the youthful side of the curve and still on the upswing. Really nice wine, but if you have this one it will probably be at the top of the hill in 2 or 3 years.
Sep 6th, 2020
Absolutely amazing wine! Raspberry and black currant with clove and brown sugar. Beautiful expression of the vineyard and drinking wonderfully!
Absolutely amazing wine! Raspberry and black currant with clove and brown sugar. Beautiful expression of the vineyard and drinking wonderfully!
Dec 20th, 2016
Aging nicely, aromas of currants and cherries and blackberries turn into blackberries and oak that lingers and gets better the more you drink. Moderately tannic. Very nice bottle to drink.
Aging nicely, aromas of currants and cherries and blackberries turn into blackberries and oak that lingers and gets better the more you drink. Moderately tannic. Very nice bottle to drink.
Aug 12th, 2016
Fabulous Napa Valley Cab. Rich, smooth the tanins have mellowed. Great to drink now.
Fabulous Napa Valley Cab. Rich, smooth the tanins have mellowed. Great to drink now.
Mar 29th, 2016
2004 Vintage is awesome paired with take out Pizza. Probably great with most anything.
2004 Vintage is awesome paired with take out Pizza. Probably great with most anything.
Mar 6th, 2015Super smooth with chocolate and a cherry raspberry finish.
Super smooth with chocolate and a cherry raspberry finish.
Dec 27th, 2014