2005 Napa/Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
(14.8% alcohol): Bright medium ruby. Black cherry, mocha, licorice pastille, bitter chocolate and exotic oak spices on the nose. Suave and fine-grained, conveying an almost port-like ripeness to its briary dark berry, licorice and bitter chocolate flavors. This rather chunky, seriously tannic wine is energized by firm, juicy acidity. At once medicinal and sweet, finishing with notes of espresso and bitter chocolate, ripe dusty tannins and very good length.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Good ruby-red. Aromatically inviting nose offers dark cherry, mocha, tobacco, coffee, licorice and flowers. Supple and rather suave, with a restrained sweetness to the somewhat cool flavors of medicinal cherry and anise. Finishes with substantial tannins that call for a couple years of patience.
The deep ruby/purple-colored 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (58% from Napa and 42% from Sonoma) possesses a full-bodied mouthfeel as well as loads of cassis fruit, and smoky, subtle oak in the background. Round, plump, and hedonistic, it should drink well for a decade. Previously recommended: 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (93+), 2003 Merlot Vintner’s Select Mountain Top Vyd. (91). Tel. (707) 963-4949; Fax (707) 963-6039