Wine reviews
This is a small garage winery producing a total of 800 cases of old vine Zinfandels and high-quality Cabernet Sauvignons. The latter wines emerge from one of Napa’s great vineyard sites, Beckstoffer’s To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville. What is different at Schrader is that they produce three Cabernet Sauvignons representing different clones, in this case Clones 4, 6, and 337. The winemaking is strictly artisinal and non-interventionalistic, with the Cabernets spending 18-22 months in primarily new Darnajou barrels prior to being bottled. The 2003s performed superbly after bottling, clearly superior to their performance from barrel. The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon RBS (175 cases) reveals higher alcohol than the 2003, along with beautiful sweetness in the vintage’s hallmark up-front, fleshy, seductive, ripe fruit and glycerin. This precocious, evolved, full-bodied 2004 will provide delicious drinking upon release, and should last for 10-12 years.
Aromas of chocolate-covered cherry join currant, herb, cedar and spice in this sleek, polished youngster. Lush and smooth on the palate, it offers depth and concentration without weight. Shows a hint of heat on the finish. The tannins are ripe and integrated. Best from 2008 through 2014. 125 cases made. – J. L.