Mary writes:
D.R. Stephens Estate was established on Howell Mountain Road in Napa Valley in 1996.
According to their website, Don and Trish Stephens found an old olive orchard planted in the early 1860s on their 35-acre property. They moved some of the olive trees and planted seven acres to grapes.
This wine was stuck in the cellar waiting for the day when an old friend and I could enjoy it. Seven years later, this silky, black cherry-scented wine delighted us. It was rich and full with flavors of plum, cassis and black cherries perfectly balanced. The tannins were smooth and the finish lingered.
It was a fabulous bottle of wine.
And then I read the reviews:
This seven-year-old Cabernet Sauvignon was aged in new French oak barrels for 22 months.
According to the Wine Spectator: “Tight and firm, with spicy currant, blackberry, anise, mocha and espresso. Complex and concentrated. Shortens up on the finish, where the fruit pours through. Drink now through 2012.” (10/06)
Robert Parker said:
“One of the world’s most prodigious Cabernets.” … Then he awarded the 2002 100 points…
Music to my ears.
