4 | Wine | Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005

"This fine new release, with some bottle age, shows signs of subtle maturity. Aromas of mocha, cedar, dried currant and spice box follow through to a full body, This is well-built, with fine balance and good length."

"Complex aromas of currant, licorice, graphite, bitter chocolate, smoked meat, tobacco and brown spices. Began juicy, penetrating and quite youthfully unevolved, but aeration brought a suppler, rounder texture and more generosity to this impressively structured wine. Complicating notes of bitter cherry, menthol and minerals. This will require a good eight to ten years of aging but the substantial tannins are sweet and lush." Reviewed by Stephen Tanzer.

"The wine is full-bodied, youthful, tannic, and a promising candidate for long-term cellaring. ...The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon is a more closed and restrained style of wine, with firm tannins, Bordeaux-like austerity, but dense ruby/purple with notes of menthol, black currant liqueur, coffee, and a hint of olive." Reviewed by Robert Parker, 92+ pts.

"Bright red-ruby. Cherry, redcurrant, tobacco, minerals, licorice, spices and bay leaf on the nose, lifted by a faint floral element. Then dense, tactile and savory, with soil-driven currant, tobacco and saline flavors that stain the palate. Finishes long and strong, with firm tannins and a late note of raspberry. Like this producer's chardonnay this cabernet is a baby."-Stephen Tanzer

"Dense ruby/purple to the rim, with the classic Pauillac-like nose of creme de cassis, cedar wood, a hint of tobacco leaf, and very subtle smoke, the wine displays charcoal and roasted herbs, full-bodied power, wonderfully sweet tannins, and a long, long finish. This is a 20- to 25-year wine that should just get better and better as it ages, but it is accessible enough to drink now." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"The classic Pauillac-like nose of creme de cassis, cedar wood, a hint of tobacco leaf, and very subtle smoke. ...the wine displays charcoal and roasted herbs, full-bodied power, wonderfully sweet tannins, and a long, long finish. This is a 20- to 25-year wine that should just get better and better as it ages, but it is accessible enough to drink now." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"Dark berries, black cherry and licorice on the nose, with a less exaggerated oak element. ...despite the fact that this was aged in 95% new American barrels. Not particularly sweet, but the mid-palate offers better grip and lift than the 2004, with laid-back flavors of currant, plum and tobacco leaf. Finishes with substantial, slightly dry tannins and good persistence." Reviewed by Stephen Tanzer.

"The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select continues to put on weight, and displays a Bordeaux-like personality because of the vintage’s cool growing season. A black purple color, stunningly sweet fruit, and a gorgeous bouquet of underbrush, forest floor, creme de cassis, lead pencil shavings, and toasty barrique are found in this ripe, full-bodied, deep, stunningly well-balanced, substantial wine with undeniable complexity as well as richness. It is approachable now, but promises to evolve for 25 or more years." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"A barrel sample of the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection offers terrific fruit intensity and purity, a more laid-back style, a meaty, chewy texture, and impressive opulence as well as length. It should evolve for 10-15 years." 92-94 pts. Reviewed by Robert Parker