2004 Delectus Argentum (USA, California, Napa Valley)

Revisit.  Some wines are built to age gracefully while others are meant to be enjoyed in their youth. This wine is based on the frontline Delectus wines of which Cabernet Sauvignon is the majority. We were down to our last two bottles of the 2004 Delectus Argentum and we had been advised by Delectus winemaker Gerhard Reisacher that because of high alcohol  the 2004 Cabernets should not be cellered past 2012. So far so good. The wine is holding it’s own from our last tasting in 2007. The original post follows. OK so if you haven’t figured it out yet, Delectus is one my favorite producers so we tend to drink more than a few bottles when given the chance. This wine is a blend of  Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Sirah, and Syrah. As the name Argentum (means silver in Latin) this wine is composed of the lots that were good but not quite good enough to make it into the vineyard designated wines. When you understand that this wine is intended to be an every day drinker it’s outstanding. The Merlot shows through the most on the palate. It’s very hot (16.2% alc.). It’s racy in style and is quite enjoyable for everyday drinking and beats other blends costing twice as much. Get it fast because most of the wine this winery produces IS good enough to make it in the first label so there isn’t much of it to go around. If you can find it, it’s usually $20-22.