Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cépages Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

BN#220891

Chateau St. Jean

Inviting aromas of boysenberry and violet define the nose of this flagship Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon. A rich and dense entry begins with layers of black raspberry, mocha and hints of blueberry. The palate offers a graceful balance between fruit extract and fine-grained tannins. This deep, concentrated wine has a classic Cinq Cépages structure with beautiful oak integration and a lushness throughout that leads to a lingering finish.

Wine Enthusiast

Fans of CC will find a wine with the balance of previous vintages. It refuses to be a fruit bomb, but offers a wealth of sumptuous blackberry and cherry liqueur flavors that pull back at the last moment under a blanket of youthful tannins. Not a long-term ager, but should hold for 6 years, and is easy to find, with more than 13,000 cases produced.

Score: 92. —Steve Heimoff, September 01, 2008.

Wine Advocate

The 2004 Cinq Cepages displays an elegant, Bordeaux-like style offering aromas of cedar, tobacco leaf, black currants, cherries, and spice box. Medium to full-bodied with soft, silky tannins, and a moderately long finish, it should drink well for 7-8 years.

Score: 90. —Robert Parker, December 2007.