A new bottling for us, this vintage is blended from 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Malbec. The grapes come from the Snowden Vineyard (33%), on a rhyolitic (volcanic tufa) bench just outside the Rutherford AVA, next to Hall and Sloan, above the Auberge du Soleil; Somerston Vineyard (28%), in the eastern hills next to Chiles Valley; Jericho Canyon Vineyard (19%); Larkmead Vineyard (15%); and 5% from the Kelleher Vineyard in the Oakville AVA, behind Brix Restaurant.

Analogous to our appellation Chardonnays, this blend gives us the opportunity to work with a broad range of vineyards which offer the typicite’ of the Napa Valley, as well as providing a new tier to allow declassification of lots from our vineyard-designates, such as Larkmead and Jericho Canyon.

Highlighted Reviews: 2005 Vintage

91  Robert M. Parker Jr.’s The Wine Advocate, December 2007
The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as sweet, tarry, black currant, chocolate, cedar, and wood smoke-like flavors, and decent acidity. Drink it over the next 10-15 years.

90-92  Steven Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar May/June 07
Inky purple. Graphite- and tobacco-accented cherry and cassis aromas reminded me of top-end Saint-Julien. Focused, pure red- and blackcurrant flavors are energized by impressive mineral lift. This remarkably concentrated cabernet finishes with firm but harmonious tannins and explosive sweetness.