This 525-case blend of 90% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon shows notes of white chocolate, mocha, black cherry, and new barrique smells. It is well-made, still somewhat oaky, with medium to full-bodied... Read More
The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon St. Eden is from an 11-acre vineyard on the foothills north of the Oakville crossroad that has the classic red, rocky soil of this area, essentially in the foothills of the Vaca Mountains that define... Read More
The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon St. Eden is from an 11-acre vineyard on the foothills north of the Oakville crossroad that has the classic red, rocky soil of this area, essentially in the foothills of the Vaca Mountains that define... Read More
Colgin is one of the reference points for just what heights mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux varietals, and more recently, Syrah, can achieve in Napa Valley. This beautiful estate and winery overlooking Lake Hennessey... Read More
The 2005 Insignia (12,500 cases) is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, and 1% Malbec. Elegant and restrained (which is very much in keeping with the style of this vintage), the wine is also rich, dense, pure,... Read More
The second wine, which is called L'Esprit des Pavots, is a noteworthy wine. The 2005 (73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) shows chocolatey espresso notes, loads of berry fruit,... Read More
WA 95 (12/2008): A 500-case blend of 56% Napa fruit and 44% Sonoma fruit, the 2005 Reserve Claret (66% Merlot and 34% Cabernet Sauvignon) is a brilliant wine for the vintage. Its deep ruby/purple hue is followed by aromas of smoked... Read More
The medium-bodied 2005 Ornellaia shows plenty of delineation in its dark cherries, blueberries, spices, minerals and crushed rocks. The 2005 doesn't have the detail of the 2004 or the richness of the 2006, but it does offer... Read More
The 2005 Sassicaia is another strong effort from Tenuta San Guido. Medium in body, it reveals an understated, delicate expression of smoke, herbs, tobacco and sweet dark fruit. The wine possesses compelling harmony and a gorgeous... Read More
The 2005 La Muse was completely closed when I tasted it. Dark ruby/purple, this elegant blend of 86.5% Merlot, 11.5% Cabernet Franc, and 2.4% Malbec has some notes of black fruits, dusty earthiness, and subtle new oak. It seems... Read More