“Bright yellow with a gold tinge; much healthier color than the 2006. Fresher on the nose as well, offering a sexy Burgundian funkiness to its aromas of truffle, clove, oatmeal, biscuit and caramel. Silky and full in the mouth, showing surprising mineral energy and soft citrus lift. Ripe acidity is perfectly integrated. Finishes with a touch of phenolics and excellent length. Ultimately higher-pitched than the nose suggests, and still full of life. Ramey told me that he has always liked this cooler vintage.”

–94 pts, Stephen Tanzer, vinous, July 2017

The 2005 growing season was cooler than average with few heat spikes, leading to an evenly paced harvest. Due to a dry winter, berries of all varietals were smaller and more concentrated. 2005 is recognized as an outstanding vintage for the Napa Valley.

Located in gently rolling terrain north of Carneros Highway, the soils are quite heavy clay. Vine selection is old Wente, Robert Young and Long Vineyards – each a Wente selection themselves—ranging in age from 6 to 25 years old. The Wente is marked by very small grape clusters, with small berries, and the so-called ‘hen-and-chick’.