95 pts - Wine Advocate
A blend of 89% Sonoma and 11% Napa fruit, the 2004 Reserve Claret is composed of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. More coffee, toffee and caramelized red and black fruit aromas jump from the glass of this dense plum/purple-colored wine. It reveals a slightly lighter edge than the Cabernet Sauvignon. Medium to full-bodied with beautiful fruit, it is more compact than the Cabernet, but is also a great example of Northern California viticulture. This full-bodied beauty will benefit from another 2-3 years of cellaring, and should age effortlessly for 15-20 years thereafter.- Robert M. Parker, Jr. (04/2014)
92 pts - Vinous
Good full, deep red. Sexy oak spices perk up the aromas of black raspberry, minerals, mocha and coffee. Like liquid silk on entry, but with a firm mineral spine and lively acidity keeping the youthful flavors of black raspberry, mocha and chocolate under wraps. Finishes with dusty, broad tannins and compelling sweetness and aromatic persistence. This big, rich blend strikes me as considerably younger than the 23 was at the same stage.- Stephen Tanzer (5/28)