Saturday, May 12, 2007

Steltzner Napa Valley Claret 2004 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Blackberry, raspberry, and herbs on the nose
Tight core of fruit and menthol on the palate
Clean finish with moderately-strong tannins, lingering berries, and dark chocolate and anise

For a Napa Valley Claret under $20, this wine is a winner! It has class and structure, along with nice layers of fruit. However, it seems a little tight. I'm going to lay a couple bottles down for three years or so and see what happens.

Steltzner has done a nice job with this proprietary blend year after year. I like it and recommend it for Napa Valley reds under $20. I paid $17, and will go back for more.

I brought this bottle up from my cellar to put in a blind side-by-side tasting with the Duckhorn Decoy posted below. We enjoyed the comparison and noticed the Decoy was more approachable now with softer fruit and a smoother texture. Both showed good structure and tasted well made. It was a treat to compare two excellent 2004 Napa Valley red blends. Raise a glass!

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