2004 Provenance Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California
$30-$40
Grapes for this glorious wine from top-notch winemaker Tom Rinaldi were sourced from the historic Vineyard George III in Napa's Rutherford sub-appellation. Made from 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine was oak-aged 18 months. Full-bodied and well-structured, this Cab exhibits the classic Rutherford "dust" characteristic of the region's wines: cocoa powder aromas that follow through on the palate along with intense flavors of red currant, wild berries, toasty oak and a sprinkle of dried herbs. Rich and complex, the wine will improve with cellaring over the next 10-15 years. Good with rare steak and hard cheeses.
Where to buy it: Cork & Bottle, Langenstein's in Metairie, Dorignac's, Acquistapace's Covington Supermarket and Rouse's.
Where to drink it: Stella, Ralph's on the Park, Windsor Court's Polo Lounge and New Orleans Grille, Shula's Steak House, Louisiana Pizza Kitchen in the French Quarter and Ruth's Chris. (Listings current at press time.)