2005 Saddleback Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Vineyard is a winner from this vintage, which seems to be moving into the “great” category, a clear rival to the other top vintages of the 21st century’s first decade, 2001, 2002 and 2007. This wine offers a beautiful garnet/plum/purple color followed by notes of cedar wood, forest floor, Chinese black tea and black cherries. It is medium-bodied, elegant, seemingly close to maturity, but delicious, round and nicely textured. I don’t think it’s going to improve much more, so drink it over the next 3-4 years.
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(includes 4% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot; aged in 65% new French oak) Good red-ruby. Musky, smoky aromas of black cherry, meat, minerals, licorice, mocha and earth. Sweeter and finer than the merlot, with better clarity of flavor and lift in the mouth. Finishes with suaver tannins and lingering notes of brown spices and mocha.