It seems that 13th Street has done it again – I never got a chance to publish my review of their bold and hearty 2002 Cabernet-Merlot because it sold out before I could get it to press; so I was not about to let the same thing happen with the ’04 version. Bottled less than 3 months ago (May 2005), the ’04 Cab-Merlot is still a little closed and will require some more bottle age (say 2-3 years+, as opposed to the 5+ years for the ‘02), but that shouldn’t stop you from trying it right now, because here’s what’s in store for you. The nose shows liberal use of oak ageing along with some smokiness, cedar, vanilla and sour cherry. At this time, I would recommend decanting, opening an hour before serving or using a special Bordeaux-style glass, such as what Spieglau or Riedel make, to get the best flavours out of it. The most prevalent taste is oak, but with the right amount of aeration, you’ll find cassis, dark cocoa, tobacco. Some red fruit also finds a way to peak through the wood. You’ll find this all culminates in a medium finish that coats the inside of the mouth. A great wine, from what many have considered to be a so-so vintage year, but then I expect nothing less from the boys at 13th Street.