2004 Lockwood Partners’ Reserve

Posted by Alan Boehmer Jul 7, 2007

It's almost an axiom that you have to pay upwards of $40 for a really good New World Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2004 Lockwood Vineyards Partners' Reserve; 13.9% alc., $20 invites some re-thinking.

The Lockwood Partner's Reserve is the winery's flagship Cabernet Sauvignon, blended with 5% Malbec and all from the estate vineyard surrounding the southern Monterey County winery. This wine possesses a deep purple-red color, almost opaque.

Cool weather aromatics dominate with wild thyme embellishing a core of dark ripe cherry. Very richly flavored with unmistakable varietal Cabernet Sauvignon characteristics. Judicious oak influence.

The Lockwood Partners' Reserve is not just another bargain-priced Cabernet Sauvignon almost indistinguishable from the pack. It's a very serious wine that invites comtemplative tasting.

Very well-structured with excellent balance between acids, tannins and intense fruit. The Lockwood 2004 Partners' Reserve drinks right now (2007) as well as many better known California and Washington State Cabernets costing much more.

Only time will allow us to know whether it will age well enough to take its place in their company. The intense - but not overly sweet - fruit and structure make this an excellent wine to enjoy with fully-flavored spicy foods such as Indian cuisine or a spicy Southwestern chili - foods that typically overpower the subtleties of wines less bold or less structured. Highly Recommended.