The 1994 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve exhibits an opaque purple color, a classic, cedar, blackcurrant, and earthy-scented nose, and rich, full-bodied flavors that ooze jammy blackcurrants. The wood influence is subtle, although some spicy vanillin can be detected. This wine possesses terrific fruit purity, an opulent texture, and an impressively long, harmonious finish. When released next year, the 1994 Reserve should be more accessible young than the 1993 Reserve, yet as long lived (20-30 years). Ken Deiss, the winemaker at Flora Springs, thinks that the 1994 and 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon vintages have more in common than differences. This was borne out in my tastings, as both vintages possess that rare quality of producing very concentrated, ripe Cabernets with sweet, well-integrated tannin. Flora Springs' Reserve Cabernet Sauvignons have soared in quality in the nineties. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is aged in 2-3 year old barrels, then moved to 1-year old barrels, and then into 60% new oak casks for no longer than 8-10 months. The last three vintages are all concentrated, powerful Cabernets packed with fruit.
Flora Springs, one of the largest vineyard owners in Napa Valley, estate bottles only a fraction of their production, with the bulk of their wine production being sold to other wineries. This estate has had a strong run of top wines over the last 4-5 years.
Tel. (707) 963-5711; Fax (707) 963-7518