1994 Chateau St Jean "Reserve" Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon

“Dark, plush and deeply concentrated, this is an enormously complex wine that triggers all kinds of tasty nuances, from the pure, rich currant, mocha, black cherry and wild berry fruit to the pretty toasty oak and espresso shadings. Thick, ripe tannins keep the flavors alive and lingering.--California Cabernet '74/'84/'94 retrospective. (JL)” (11/2004)

“The most noticeable improvements at St. Jean can be seen in the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon program. There are approximately 1,000 cases produced of St. Jean's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine spends 36 months in oak casks, of which 50% are new. The wine is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, although small portions of Cabernet Franc and Merlot are part of the blend. The 1994 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve should prove to be slightly superior to the 1993, although from a perspective of richness and intensity, it does not eclipse the 1993. It possesses an open-knit, complex aromatic profile consisting of black fruits, cedar, tobacco, fruitcake, and new oak. Full-bodied, with sweeter tannin than the 1993, this multi-dimensional, large-scaled Cabernet Sauvignon has impeccable balance, as well as a finish that lasts for nearly 35 seconds. Although accessible, 3-4 years of cellaring is recommended; it should keep for two decades. (RP)” (12/1997)