2004 Babcock Cabernet Sauvignon 'The Loin' Estelle Vineyard

Opened a bottle young to see if I wanted to buy more, so I did the Neal 'shake' method, ran a glass through the Vinturi, and took a whirl. Color is a gorgeous inky black violet. At this young stage, it gives off strong blueberry and raspberry pie filling, some light charred fruit skin and also a bit of slate or stone - smells very fresh and vibrant. On the palate, you can tell this is still young, but you do actually get a blast of quick fruit, silky tannins are still not integrated and are bitter (fruit has not integrated with them yet) but you can tell this will be liquid heaven in some years in terms of body. The winemaker's notes mention being able to taste some of the rocky soil, and it's true - you really do taste the terroir in this wine, and it is pleasant and unique. Finish is quite long for such a young cab, and all ripe black fruits, more of the terroir, and some anise and bread crust. There is no question that the Santa Ynez Valley is emerging as the next top spot for cabernet sauvignon with examples like this one. I will be buying more for certain.