The stage for the flavorful crop of 2004 was actually set during the growing season of 2003. In spring, as the vine is sending out shoots, leaves, and bunches of blossoms that will become that year’s harvest, it is also forming buds that contain a microscopic blueprint for the following year’s growth: a blueprint that’s complete down to the number of berries on each bunch. The very cool and wet spring of 2003 was immediately followed by 100 degree heat, which triggered a burst of extremely fast growth of shoots and leaves. The vines’ energy was partially diverted from the production of the fruitful buds that contained next season’s crop, leaving each vine with a blueprint for small bunches of fruit for 2004.

With the stage set for a small crop in our vineyards, heat spikes in March and late April got the growing season of 2004 off to an early start, then mild weather through May, June and July allowed the berries to mature gradually. A spell of heat in September pushed ripening, and good conditions during harvest enabled us to give the grapes an extended “hang time” on the vines to develop their full potential.

The 2004 crop in our Scion vineyards had extra-small berries and extra-concentrated flavors. The result was the richest, most intensely flavored, most aromatic Scion wine we have ever made.

The 2004 Scion is a wine for the ages. We score it at 96 points out of 100 and expect the media will say the same when we send the wine out for review. We made only 2,007 cases, and the 2004 Scion will sell out fast— just like the highly regarded 2002 Scion did during its release period, and just like the 2004 Merlot did last September. (In one month the ’04 Merlot was gone.) We encourage Scion fans to “Come and get it!”

WINEMAKER TASTING NOTES
“Our 2004 Scion is so loaded with aromas and flavors that my ink pen went dry jotting them down for these notes. Up front, I get aromas of blackberry, plum and cherry fruit along with hints of roses and spice. I also notice hearty mocha and plentiful toasty oak aromas. The 2004 Scion has a very rich, full-bodied taste filled with berry pie and chocolate flavors. Substantial round-edged tannins and dark fruit provide this wine with a very long and lingering finish.”

Gary Vaynerchuk, Director of Operations, Wine Library TV.

93 points Wine Library TV--- August 22, 2007
Clear-cut attack of oak, blackberry, and black cassis on the nose: enormous amounts of vanilla and creme brulée. Big nose, big complexity, beautiful, glorious cranberry, strawberry, black currant, extremely rich clean flavor profile...
Impress your boss time: this is a wine that I highly recommend you seek out and pop open with him right before you ask for a raise. A complete killer. A serious wine... 5-10 years of cellaring easily.
http://tv.winelibrary.com/2007/08/22/oak-monster-time-episode-298

2002 Alexander Valley Scion

95 points, Editors’ Choice, Wine Enthusiast, September 2006
The Youngs produce a stunning Cabernet from their vineyard on the eastern benchlands of the valley. This Cab is the polar opposite of Napa, and defines the alternative possibilities. Soft, intricate and herbal-earthy, it has beautiful black cherry, cocoa, tobacco and new oak flavors, and it’s thoroughly dry. Drink now through 2015.

2001 Alexander Valley Scion

91 points Wine Spectator April 2005
This exhibits a rich, concentrated core of Cabernet fruit, built around dense sour cherry, blackberry and wild berry. Tightly wound and closed, it finishes with a complex aftertaste, with a dash of mocha, and a firm band of tannins that give it excellent structure. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Best from 2006 through 2012.—J.L.

2000 Alexander Valley Scion

89 points Wine&Spirits October, 2004
The fruit itself is bold and succulent, while an Alexander Valley leafiness emphasizes mint and menthol in the aromatics. Tame the green edges with roasted leg of lamb.

1999 Alexander Valley Scion

Wine Enthusiast Magazine; Top 100 Wines 2003

96 points, Editors' Choice: Robert Young 1999 Scion (Alexander Valley)
"So good, it makes you want to shout. Possesses the beautifully ripe flavors that are expected of a great vintage, such as blackcurrant, cherry, white chocolate and cassis, with extra edges of smoky caramel and vanilla. The tannins are perfect, soft and easy, but as rich and complex as a Renoir. Differentiates itself from Napa with its softness and accessibility, but as great as anything from across the Mayacamas."

J. L. Wine Spectator - September 2003
88 Points, Smooth, rich and complex, with a medley of herb, currant, anise and mocha flavors. Plush-textured with ripe, round tannins, it's drinking well already but should hold for several years. Drink now through 2009.

1998 Alexander Valley Scion

Wine Enthusiast; November 15, 2002
94 points, Editors' Choice: Robert Young 1998 Scion (Alexander Valley) "The much-anticipated second vintage of this wine struggled with a poor vintage. Ironically, the inability to superripen the grapes resulted in a Bordeaux-like wine, rather like a good St.-Emilion, although it's 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Sweet cassis is offset with sage and tobacco in this early maturing wine of great distinction and charm."

Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine, August 2002
Two Stars, 91, Robert Young Scion Alexander Valley 1998 Bold and blustery with layer upon layer of rich oak overlying its plentiful fruit, this expressive wine suggests ripe cherries, a bit of currant, cocoa and cappuccino throughout its considerable length. The wine is full and fleshy in the mouth with more than a few rough edges yet to lose, but if its heat and tannins make it rather rustic in style, they never mask or in any way disguise the very deep fruit that remains the driving force of this rich and thoroughly involving youngster.

WOW Report, May 20, 2002

Robert Whitley - 93 points
1998 Robert Young Scion, Alexander Valley "A rare exceptional 1998 Red. This 100 percent Cabernet Sauvigion is silky in the mouth, elegant and shows outstanding persistence of flavor."

San Francisco Chronicle - October 2001
The 1997 Scion, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, shows bright berry aromas, with oaky backnotes - concentrated, balanced, smooth flavors that linger through the finish

1997 Alexander Valley Scion

Wine Spectator; Aug 24, 2001, James Laube
90 points - Robert Young Scion Alexander Valley 1997; $50;
"...The debut Scion is a blend of 58 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 30 percent Merlot and 12 percent Cabernet Franc. Consulting winemaker Richard Arrowood made this immense and deeply concentrated wine, with rich mineral, currant, coffee, anise and cedar flavors."

San Francisco Chronicle; October 3, 2001, Gerald Boyd
"The 1997 Scion, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, shows bright berry aromas, with oaky backnotes -- concentrated, balanced, smooth flavors that linger through the finish."