A winner. In the mode of Harlan and Realm, a ripe yet elegant, big yet refined and impeccably balanced cabernet. Also reminiscent of the Hartwell we had at the late lamented Vin restaurant in Raleigh. That is, a Napa cab done right. To me it smelled of pine/cedar/forest, blackberry, licorice and sweet herbs or flowers. It had good acid and very soft or sweet tannins that made for an altogether delightful drink with a long finish, balanced and complex. One could drink this for 8 or 10 more years, I'd guess, and the bottle bouquet will be exquisite in 2-3 more. Right now the aromas are beautiful but a bit restrained. This was obtained at 411 West's half-price wine Mondays @$65 which is about what it costs in the store. For a classy Napa cab it's a fair price. I'd give this 94+ points.
Parker more or less agrees @ 95 pts:
The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon is a big, well-balanced red boasting a dense ruby/purple color as well as aromas of roasted herbs, creosote, licorice, black currants, cedar, and loamy soil. Dense and full-bodied with superb richness and power, and sweet tannins, it should drink well for two decades.
Wine Spec 93:
A ripe, juicy mix of black cherry, wild berry, plum and currant, this firms up midpalate and holds its focus, revealing greater depth and complexity and ending with a nice tight, tannic backbone. Drink now through 2016. 4,100 cases made. –JL
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