Ruston Family Cabernet Napa/Sonoma AND Napa Stagecoach Vineyard

These two wines were opened today after being p urchased today at MacARthur Liquors where California cabernets are on sale for 1/3 off. Thus I found these two wines at $30 and $35 that are normally far more. Parker rated the ordinary bottling at 89, but Wine Spec gave it 93. Parker gave 92 to the Stagecoach Vineyard version of the 2004 Ruston cab. Well, I love the standard cab which is perfectly balanced and mature right now (but with enough tannin, acid and fruit to last another 4-5 years). It features a very woodsy/cedary/piney nose, a very soft acid/tannin component with licorice and blackberry on the nose and palate. I'd give it 91+.

Turning to the Stagecoach, we get a significant ramping up of the fruit, acid and tannin. Parker gives it the 92 rating and I'd have to agree or maybe 93 points. In this one there's just more stuffing: more fruit, more complex, more alcohol and acid and tannin and fruit with a longer finish. Whereas the first one isn't getting any better (and is certainly very nice now) this one will get some bottle bouquet and a bit better in 2 years or so. I'd think this one will last 15 years. The nose is moderately restrained considering how much is going on there. A eucalyptus nose with a piney/woodsy component continuing and I can see the idea of black tea too as Parker notes below. On this one I get the blackcurrant and some more oaky vanilla than was present on the standard bottling. Licorice too. I think this one is clearly worth the extra $5/btl at the sale price. Is it any better than the Andrew Will Sorella that I can also get for about $35/btl on sale? Not sure, wish I could taste them side by side but i've already opened two bottles in this one evening, shared with roommate Ben, Max's high school friend from Chapel Hill who lives in the DC house with me along with Max and Lisa.

Parker 92 pts: The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Stagecoach Vineyard boasts the deepest ruby/purple color as well as a sweet nose of creme de cassis, blackberries, truffles, graphite, and flowers. This elegant but substantially flavored, full-bodied, beautifully pure, complex wine is a stunning effort. Drink it over the next 15-20 years.

Parker 89 points From both Rutherford and Oakville vineyards, the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon offers up a bouquet of Chinese black tea, black currants, and earth. Medium to full-bodied with excellent ripeness, good balance, and broad flavors, it should drink nicely for 10-12 years.

It's interesting that Wine Spectator really raved about the straight Cab bottling, giving it 93 points which is quite high for them. Of course they didn'[t taste the Stagecoach from 2004:

Shows wonderful balance, harmony and finesse, with a mix of ripe, fleshy currant and cherry fruit and hints of herb, pepper and creamy oak, all folding together in a smooth, seamless manner, ending with a long, mouthcoating finish. Drink now through 2014. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 477 cases made. –JL