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Search Flickinger Wine Inventory
Inventory updated: Thu, Apr 19, 2018 05:33 PM cst
Your search criteria:
Regions: USA Red
Vintages: Between 2005 and 2005
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Bts |
Qty |
| | USA Red |
| Agharta |
2005 |
Proprietary Blend (3.0 L)  |
$350 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95+ (2/2011): After the mind-blowing 2004 Agharta Syrah, I had high expectations that it would be followed by additional great wines, and those hopes were answered with the 2005 Black Label, a blend of 97% Syrah, 2% Grenache and 1% Viognier. Aged 64 months (which must be a record in California) in 30% new French oak, it is another spectacular effort from winemaker/proprietor Pax Mahle. It boasts a gorgeously dense plum/purple color as well as stunning notes of black raspberries, gun flint, blackberries, licorice and camphor. This complex red builds incrementally on the palate resulting in a full-bodied, concentrated, complex wine that is bursting at the seams and loaded with potential. It should continue to evolve for another 12-15+ years. |
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|
2005 |
Syrah |
$84 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95+ (2/2011): After the mind-blowing 2004 Agharta Syrah, I had high expectations that it would be followed by additional great wines, and those hopes were answered with the 2005 Black Label, a blend of 97% Syrah, 2% Grenache and 1% Viognier. Aged 64 months (which must be a record in California) in 30% new French oak, it is another spectacular effort from winemaker/proprietor Pax Mahle. It boasts a gorgeously dense plum/purple color as well as stunning notes of black raspberries, gun flint, blackberries, licorice and camphor. This complex red builds incrementally on the palate resulting in a full-bodied, concentrated, complex wine that is bursting at the seams and loaded with potential. It should continue to evolve for another 12-15+ years.
VM 93 (6/2010): (96% syrah and 4% grenache, aged for 53 months in oak) Opaque ruby. Black and blue fruit aromas are complemented by exotic notes of anise, incense and black cardamom. Fleshy but nicely focused black and blue fruit flavors gain sweetness with air and pick up notes of succulent herbs and candied flowers. Manages to maintain focus thanks to its juicy acidity, which gives firmness to the lush and strikingly concentrated dark fruit and floral flavors. |
|
| Archery Summit |
2005 |
Red Hills Estate Pinot Noir Slightly Depressed Cork |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 92 (6/2008): Dark red color. Intensely minerally aromas of graphite-accented raspberry and cherry, Indian spices and dried flowers. Juicy red fruit flavors are medium-bodied and strikingly sweet, with an energetic snap of zesty minerality adding lift. Finishes fresh and elegant, with no excess fat and superb cut. I love the clarity of this pinot.
BH 89 (10/2007): Noticeable if not intrusive oak presently fights for center stage with the otherwise pretty black cherry and blue berry infused nose where the rich, supple, lush and forward flavors also display the fruit character of the nose and culminate in a moderately structured and nicely long finish. The flavors are still a bit on the one-dimensional side though I like the balance here and there is enough material that the wine should eventually manage to integrate the wood. That said, I suspect the wood will always affect the texture to a certain extent by rounding off the finish somewhat. To be sure, there is very good quality here and once the wine has seen 3 to 6 years in the cellar it should be lovely. Drink 2010+. Outstanding!
WS 88 (2/2008): Firm in texture, with spicy notes and crisp tannins around a modest core of raspberry and nectarine fruit. Needs time to show what it has. Best from 2009 through 2012. 947 cases made. |
|
| Aston Estate (Schrader) |
2005 |
Clone 115/667 Pinot Noir |
$45 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2005 |
Clone 115/667 Pinot Noir |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2005 |
Clone 777 Pinot Noir |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| L' Aventure |
2005 |
Cote a Cote Proprietary Blend |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (6/2008): The sensational 2005 Cote a Cote Proprietary Red (a 670-case blend of equal parts Mourvedre, Grenache, and Syrah) boasts an inky/ruby/purple hue in addition to a big, sweet bouquet of roasted meats, tar, camphor, creme de cassis, and smoke. The wine is rich, full-bodied, layered, and exceptionally well-balanced and intense. It should drink beautifully for 10-12+ years.
VM 92+ (12/2007): Inky violet. Powerful, syrah-dominated bouquet offers cassis, bitter cherry, flowers and cracked pepper. Firm dark fruit flavors open to reveal sweet blackberry and plum, with slow-mounting spiciness. Wound up tight right now but there's clearly excellent material here. Finishes with a palate-staining cherry pit quality and superb persistence.
WS 88 (2/2008): Rich, intense, powerful and concentrated, with dense blueberry, tar, loamy earth and spice, with a solid wall of tannins. Needs air and time. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2011. 800 cases made. |
|
|
2005 |
Estate Cuvee Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (8/2007): The blockbuster 2005 Estate Cuvee (52% Syrah, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 8% Petit Verdot) exhibits an inky/blue/purple color as well as sumptuous aromas of charcoal, blueberry and blackberry liqueur, truffles, pain grille, and chocolate. Medium to full-bodied with good acidity, fabulous richness, a multilayered texture, and a stunningly long finish, it possesses a Bordeaux-like weight. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 10-15.
VM 93+ (12/2007): (52% syrah, 40% cabernet sauvignon and 8% petit verdot) Opaque purple. Intensely perfumed aromas of dark berries, flowers and minerals, with a strong mocha undertone. Spicy cassis and blackberry flavors are sharpened by graphite and cracked pepper, picking up dark chocolate and licorice on the close. Leaves a vibrant, spicy impression on the long, juicy finish. This put on weight and gained sweetness with air; I'd give it at least five years of cellar time. Asseo mentioned that he is not following the current trend of experimenting with extended barrel aging for syrah (a practice most commonly associated with Guigal for their top Cote-Roties). "In the northern Rhone they need to soften their syrah, but we don't need to do that in Paso Robles," he told me. |
|
|
2005 |
Optimus Proprietary Blend |
$49 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 90 (8/2007): The 2005 Optimus, a combination of 51% Syrah, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot, is a dense ruby/purple-colored effort displaying sweet black currant fruit intermixed with notions of smoky oak, licorice, and flowers. Broodingly backward, although not unapproachable, it will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring, and should keep for 10-12 years.
VM 90 (12/2007): (a blend of 51% syrah, 44% cabernet sauvignon and 5% petit verdot) Dark purple. Dark cherry and licorice on the nose, with subtle spice and underbrush qualities adding interest. Lush, creamy dark berry flavors possess display impressive weight but also good energy and focus, with slow-mounting tannins adding shape. Finishes with impressive sweet persistence and a gentle tannic bite. Owner/winemaker Stephan Asseo likes the touch of austerity that petit verdot adds to the blend. |
|
| Barbieri |
2005 |
Colson Canyon Vyd. Syrah |
$20 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 88 (8/2007): The Crozes-Hermitage-like 2005 Syrah Colson Canyon reveals notes of tobacco, roasted herbs, new saddle leather, cherries, black currants, and toasty new oak. Even a hint of graphite emerges from this complex, deep, well-made, French-styled wine. Drink it over the next 3-5 years.
WS 87 (12/2007): Spicy, peppery aromas join wild berry, huckleberry and sour cherry notes in this sleek, trim red. Ends with spicy fruit and firm tannins. Drink now through 2011. 395 cases made. |
|
| Blankiet |
2005 |
Paradise Hills Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$145 |
5 |
|
| |
WA 95+ (12/2007): The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Paradise Hills Vineyard (1,200 cases) reveals a chocolatey espresso roast note with mocha, blackberry and cassis, high tannins, but full body, superb concentration, purity, and an almost Graves-like scorched earth character. This wine needs 3-4 years of bottle age, and should last 25-30 years.
VM 92+ (6/2008): Good deep, saturated ruby. Aromas of currant, bitter chocolate, violet and tobacco. Juicy and penetrating, with firm-edged, slightly green acidity that has not yet harmonized with the wine's fruit. This very young wine will need extended time in bottle to come together. Claude Blankiet noted that the substantial spring rain in 2005 caused the vines "to go crazy," producing a big crop that required a lot of work to control the ultimate yields. A good bit of 2005 wine was ultimately declassified (the equivalent of about 600 cases), he told me, and when Michel Rolland helped out with the final blends, he added some cabernet sauvignon to the Rive Droite cuvee "to give it more middle." The 3.68 pH of this wine is unusually low. |
|
|
2005 |
Rive Droite Proprietary Blend Water/Wetness-Stained Label |
$85 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93 (12/2007): The 2005 Merlot, which is now called Rive Droite (and this is the last one), is an 800-case blend with some Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc added. An elegant, dark ruby/purple-colored wine with a sweet nose of espresso roast, dark black cherries, licorice, underbrush, and truffle in an elegant, full-bodied, rich, concentrated style, this wine should drink nicely for 12-15+ years.
VM 89+ (6/2008): Full medium ruby. Smoky, lower-toned aromas of black raspberry, mocha, earth and tobacco, lifted by a pungent minty quality and a whiff of resin. Here, too, the acidity is quite pronounced today, and with moderate mid-palate flesh and sweetness the current impression is a bit ungenerous. Finishes quite tight, with a slight sharpness to the acidity. These 2005s may well be in an awkward stage today, and my scores may come to look overly conservative, but in any event they should not be opened anytime soon. |
|
| Copain Wines |
2005 |
Garys Vyd. Syrah |
$39 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (5/2007): Inky purple. Explosively aromatic nose features fresh strawberry and redcurrant, minerals, flowers and a hint of smoked meat. Very crisp syrah with impressive energy; the bright red berry flavors expand and gain in sweetness toward the back. Closes on a brisk, vibrant note, with superb lift and length. Amazingly persistent and sweet wine. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2005 |
James Berry Vyd. Syrah |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 93+ (5/2006): (50% whole clusters; from soil rich in schist that Guthrie compares to the Cote Brune of Cote-Rotie) Saturated deep ruby. Highly aromatic nose offers crushed raspberry, pepper, woodsmoke and minerals. Densely packed, intense and sweet, with flavors of dark berries, spices and pepper. This boasts terrific, slowly mounting fruit and finishes very long and perfumed, with big, peppery tannins. The crop level here was barely two tons an acre, according to Guthrie. A superb California syrah in a distinctly French style.
WA 92+ (12/2006): From a high elevation site (1,400 feet), the 2004 Syrah Hawke’s Butte is planted in pure schist. Seventy-five percent whole clusters were used, and the wine was aged 16 months in French oak, 30% new. Revealing the most minerality of these Syrah cuvees, its liquefied rock character is interwoven with blackberry, cassis, and a peppery earthiness. It should evolve for a decade.
WS 87 (12/2007): Tightly wound, firm and compact, with a beam of spicy, peppery blueberry and wild berry flavors that are framed by chewy tannins. Drink now through 2011. 227 cases made. |
|
| Crossbarn (Paul Hobbs) |
2005 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$108 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Franciscan |
2005 |
Stylus Proprietary Blend |
$50 |
5 |
|
| |
|
| Gemstone |
2005 |
Facets Proprietary Blend |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 90 (12/2007): The 2005 Facets is elegant, austere by the standards of California, and almost a dead-ringer for a Medoc from Bordeaux. The wine is dark ruby/purple-tinged with a floral, restrained nose of sweet cherries and soil and undertones of underbrush and barrique. The wine is medium-bodied, pretty, pure, and represents an attractive, French-styled blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot. It should drink nicely for 10-12 years. |
|
| Paul Hobbs |
2005 |
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon Label re-glued |
$199 |
1 |
|
| |
WS 97 (10/2008): Amazingly complex, with great structure, depth, richness and concentration. A young and powerful expression of Cabernet, with tiers of dried currant, wild berry, fresh earth and toasty, smoky oak, ending with a long, persistent finish. Drink now through 2013. 601 cases made.
WA 95+ (12/2007): From the back streets of St. Helena, the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard exhibits earthy, graphite, and scorched rock-like aromas (the latter nuance reminiscent of top-notch Bordeaux Graves) as well as dense, full-bodied creme de cassis and floral notes. An impressive effort, it reminds me of a cross between a great Pomerol and a Graves. With a sumptuous texture as well as a full-bodied, long finish, this beauty should drink well for two decades.
VM 92+ (6/2008): Dense ruby-red. Powerfully scented, smoky nose of cherry, tobacco and incense. Deeply concentrated, chewy cherry and cassis flavors are firmed by juicy acidity and complicated by bitter chocolate and licorice. Sweet oak spice builds with air and carries through the finish. A serious, ageworthy cabernet that will require patience. |
|
| Hundred Acre Winery |
2005 |
Deep Time Cabernet Sauvignon |
$395 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98 (12/2009): The three vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon Deep Time include the just bottled 2005, which spent four years in an assortment of barrels. It was the best tasting I have had of that wine. These wines have a more chocolate, espresso roast character as well as tons of fruit, and a natural, concentrated character. They are very thick and rich, yet the oak seems less noticeable than it does in wines scheduled for earlier bottling. Altogether, this is a remarkable winery with a highly personalized vision that is producing extraordinary wines, and we’re all the better for it.
VM 96 (6/2009): (15.5%; from the exact same blend as the "regular" Kayli Morgan but aged nearly a year longer; this was bottled in December of 2008) Good saturated red-ruby. Superripe, decadent aromas of currant, graphite, mocha and marzipan; there's something here that reminded me of a great old Rioja. Lush and sweet but with superb energy keeping the wine magically fresh. Bigger than the Precious and longer and brighter on the finish. This has a three-dimensional texture. Owner Woodbridge told me this late-bottled wine is his attempt to see what his Kayli Morgan cabernet will taste like after 20 years in the bottle. |
|
|
2005 |
Kayli Morgan Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$385 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98 (12/2008): The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Kayli Morgan Vineyard (approximately 1,000 cases produced) is exquisite, performing even better this year than it did last. A beautiful bouquet of licorice, smoke, burning embers, creme de cassis, sweet black cherries, and spice box soars from the glass of this 2005. Unctuous, flamboyant, and incredibly pure, it is a superb Cabernet Sauvignon that is already strutting its remarkable potential. It can be drunk now or cellared for 15-20 years.
VM 95 (6/2008): (15.5% alcohol) Bright, deep ruby-red. Knockout aromas of sappy red fruits and menthol; reminded me of a Pomerol. Lush, deep and energetic, with terrific floral lift and detail to the superconcentrated raspberry, spice and dark chocolate flavors. Finishes lush and broad, with palate-staining persistence and terrific verve. This spent 40 to 50 days on its skins, according to owner Jayson Woodbridge. The best vintage yet for this lush and satisfying bottling. (The 2006s had just been sulfured at the time of my visit and were unavailable for tasting.) WS 93 (10/2008): Offers delicious pure, ripe and fleshy Cabernet fruit, delivering layers of currant, wild berry and a hint of raspberry, with mineral, pebble and cedary oak. All of it unfolds gracefully, with a supple, caressing texture. Best from 2010 through 2017. 1,200 cases made. |
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|
2005 |
The Ark Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$475 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 98 (12/2008): The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Ark Vineyard (the debut vintage of this cuvee) reveals an inky/blue/purple color as well as a sumptuous nose of loamy soil, licorice, graphite, espresso, sweet blackberries, and forest floor. It is a gorgeously proportioned, full-bodied effort with plenty of minerality as well as definition. Already accessible, this big wine should evolve for two decades.
WS 93 (12/2008): Graceful, ripe and fleshy, with supple plum, blackberry, black cherry and wild berry fruit that reminds me of a berry pie. Unfolds to reveal subtle spicy, cedary oak flavors, and the finish is long and luxurious, with layers of berry flavors. Best from 2010 through 2017. 700 cases made.
VM 93 (6/2008): Bright, full ruby. Enticing aromas of black raspberry, licorice and melted chocolate. Sweet, lush and superripe; in fact, this is downright massive, with an almost porty, lower-toned quality perked up by complex mineral and red licorice elements. Wonderfully fat, sweet wine with extravagant chocolate, mocha and nutty oak tones. Finishes with rich, broad tannins and a wave of chocolatey dark fruits. This is the first release from Jayson Woodbridge's home vineyard, which features nine separate blocks of vines and six clones, and which was picked in multiple passes and fermented in 500-liter puncheons. |
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|
2005 |
The Ark Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$1,100 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98 (12/2008): The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Ark Vineyard (the debut vintage of this cuvee) reveals an inky/blue/purple color as well as a sumptuous nose of loamy soil, licorice, graphite, espresso, sweet blackberries, and forest floor. It is a gorgeously proportioned, full-bodied effort with plenty of minerality as well as definition. Already accessible, this big wine should evolve for two decades.
WS 93 (12/2008): Graceful, ripe and fleshy, with supple plum, blackberry, black cherry and wild berry fruit that reminds me of a berry pie. Unfolds to reveal subtle spicy, cedary oak flavors, and the finish is long and luxurious, with layers of berry flavors. Best from 2010 through 2017. 700 cases made.
VM 93 (6/2008): Bright, full ruby. Enticing aromas of black raspberry, licorice and melted chocolate. Sweet, lush and superripe; in fact, this is downright massive, with an almost porty, lower-toned quality perked up by complex mineral and red licorice elements. Wonderfully fat, sweet wine with extravagant chocolate, mocha and nutty oak tones. Finishes with rich, broad tannins and a wave of chocolatey dark fruits. This is the first release from Jayson Woodbridge's home vineyard, which features nine separate blocks of vines and six clones, and which was picked in multiple passes and fermented in 500-liter puncheons. |
|
| Jonata Winery |
2005 |
El Desafio de Jonata Cabernet Sauvignon Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$103 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94+ (6/2008): Made from a classic northern Medoc blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (93%) and Merlot as well as Petit Verdot, the 2005 El Desafio de Jonata boasts an inky/purple color as well as a moderately intense nose of forest floor, earth, blackberries, creme de cassis, licorice, and incense. Full-bodied and powerful, with high but sweet, well-integrated tannins, this cuvee builds incrementally on the palate (it is full-bodied), but displays wonderful freshness, vibrancy, and precision. Another tour de force in winemaking, it should drink effortlessly for 15+ years.
VM 92 (12/2007): Opaque ruby. Pungent cherry and blackcurrant aromas are complicated by exotic floral and Indian spice qualities. Bitter cherry and dark chocolate flavors gain sweetness with air, fleshing out and carrying through a long, sappy finish. Manages to be lush and sweet but also poised, offering an impressive balancing act of tannins and ripeness. This has excellent hang time. This, too, is much more impressive than the maiden 2004 release.
WS 88 (2/2008): Generous ripe plum, black cherry, herb and sage notes are balanced and supple, ending with a complex finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2012. 700 cases made. |
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|
2005 |
La Tierra de Jonata Sangiovese |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93 (8/2007): The 2005 La Tierra de Jonata (93% Sangiovese and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon) continues Jonata’s penchant for producing the finest Sangiovese in California. A deep ruby/purple hue is accompanied by a sumptuously rich nose of strawberries, new saddle leather, licorice, roasted herbs, and spice. Expansive, round, and medium-bodied with terrific fruit purity and intensity, this amazing wine should drink beautifully for 5-6 years.
VM 90 (12/2007): Dark red. Peppery red berry and cherry aromas are complicated by dried rose and vanilla, with pungent herbs and roasted coffee coming up with aeration. Fleshy raspberry and cherry flavors are firmed by dusty tannins but offer a suave, sweet personality. Finishes with an elegant, almost restrained bitter cherry and floral pastille qualities. This benefited enormously from being open for a while. |
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| Kistler |
2005 |
Kistler Vyd. Pinot Noir Slightly Depressed Cork |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 93-95 (12/2006): Steve Kistler has backed off extraction for his Pinot Noirs, resulting in more ethereal (but not light) Pinots that are less burdened down by tannin in their youth, with each vineyard’s distinctive fruit and terroir coming through with much greater intensity. After experimenting with some Dijon clones, Kistler became convinced that the best clone for cool climate vineyards is the Calera Clone from California, and based on what he has achieved, I can’t argue. The deep ruby/purple-hued 2005 Pinot Noir Kistler Vineyard possesses sweet blueberry, raspberry, and forest floor notes, zesty acidity, elegance, and finesse, and a medium-bodied finish. |
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| Kosta Browne |
2005 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
WS 91 (6/2007): Tightly wound and intense, with firm, spicy, well-focused blackberry and wild berry fruit that has both lively acidity and well-grounded tannins. Needs time. Best from 2008 through 2013. 1,812 cases made.
VM 88 (6/2007): Medium red. Jammy raspberry and cola aromas complicated by mocha, red licorice and an exotic hint of peach pit. Sweet and velvety in the mouth, with creamy raspberry and plum preserve flavors and good heft. The weighty, round finish features a clingy red fruit preserve quality. I'd opt for drinking this on the young side. |
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|
2005 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
WS 93 (6/2007): Bold, ripe, expansive and expressive, with layers of spice, black cherry, cola, anise and light toasty oak. Tightly focused, rich and complex, this maintains a beam of fruit and finishes with a long, complex aftertaste. Drink now through 2011. 1,821 cases made.
VM 89 (6/2007): Bright red. Spicy cherry and wild strawberry aromas, with dark chocolate and licorice accents. Supple red and dark berry jam flavors show good depth and are accented by cracked pepper and mace. Finishes broad and sweet, with very good length and a refreshingly bitter cherry skin tone.
BH 85 (12/2007): An expressive nose combines notes of cherry cough syrup a hint of menthol that can also be picked up on the round, supple and textured flavors that are attractively silky but culminate in a bitter and unbalanced finish where the warmth from the elevated alcohol dominates. While I for clearly stated reasons do not debate the merits of style in my evaluations because everyone should, and for the most part happily does, prefer different things, high alcohol is not a style question, it’s a balance question and this wine’s balance suffers because of its elevated alcohol and backend bitterness. The finishing bitterness of course is not from the alcohol but suffice it to say that this isn’t for me and I certainly wouldn’t recommend aging it. Drink now. |
|
| Larkin |
2005 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91+ (12/2007): A dense, burly, muscular effort is the dark purple-colored 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon. Full-bodied with plenty of fruit, structure, tannin, and potential, it should be cellared for 2-3 years, and consumed over the following two decades. |
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| Martinelli |
2005 |
Blue Slide Ridge Pinot Noir |
$175 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95 (12/2006): A real knock-out Pinot Noir in 2005 is the Blue Slide Ridge. This is always the most Richebourg-like of the wines, with a classic floral, herbal, blueberry nose intermixed with crushed rocks, a deep ruby/purple-tinged color, full body, wonderful sweetness, and moderate tannin in the finish. Unfortunately, there are only 175 cases.
VM 94 (6/2007): Brilliant ruby-red. Intense raspberry, rose and licorice aromas, with a tangy mineral accent. Seamless red and dark berry flavors show impressive depth and sweetness, gaining depth with air and taking a turn toward cherry without any loss of energy or focus. The tannins are completely absorbed by the suave fruit. Very creamy and sweet on the finish, with compelling depth and length. This simply refuses to quit. |
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2005 |
Bondi Home Ranch Water Trough Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$40 |
2 |
|
| |
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2005 |
Bondi Home Ranch Water Trough Vyd. Pinot Noir (1.5 L) Slightly Depressed Cork |
$119 |
1 |
|
| |
|
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2005 |
Lolita Ranch Pinot Noir |
$50 |
4 |
|
| |
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2005 |
Lolita Ranch Syrah |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
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2005 |
Moonshine Ranch Pinot Noir Very Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$39 |
2 |
|
| |
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| Medlock Ames |
2005 |
Bell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon |
$30 |
2 |
|
| |
|
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2005 |
Bell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon Lightly Scuffed Label |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
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| Oberon |
2005 |
Hillside Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
1 |
|
| |
| WS 91 (6/2008): Dark and intense, deeply concentrated and tightly focused, showing a complex mix of dried currant, wild berry, savory herb and spice notes, with a dash of cedary, smoky, toasty oak. Firmly tannic. Drink now through 2015. 533 cases made. |
|
| Pax |
2005 |
Castelli-Knight Ranch Syrah |
$59 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93-95 (12/2006): There are 370 cases of the 2005 Syrah Castelli-Knight Ranch. No weakling at 15.7% alcohol, it comes across like a Rhone Valley Hermitage given its good acidity, structured, tannic, masculine mouthfeel, and enormous, rich, camphor-infused blackberry fruit. It requires 3-5 years of cellaring, and should keep for two decades. |
|
| Joseph Phelps |
2005 |
Backus Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$199 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 94 (12/2008): The dense 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard (93% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Petit Verdot and Malbec) offers sweet creme de cassis aromas interwoven with scorched earth, espresso roast, and licorice. Full-bodied as well as elegant with sweet tannin, gorgeous purity, and admirable depth, this effort has developed beautifully since I tasted it last year. It appears to have 25 or more years of aging potential.
VM 92+ (6/2008): Cool but sweet aromas of medicinal black fruits, licorice, menthol and graphite; today this comes across as sweeter than the Insignia. Then massive and pliant for the year, showing a distinctly warmer character than the Insignia. With aeration, this exuded lovely inner-palate perfume, thanks to bright acidity, which gives lift to the fruit. But this very young wine finishes with substantial tannic clout.
WS 92 (10/2008): Shows off a distinctive minty herbal character and is dry and firmly structured on the palate, with glimpses of red currant and black cherry peaking through. Yet this is tight, focused, concentrated and balanced, and once it's past this phase, it should provide plenty of excitement. Best from 2011 through 2017. 1,600 cases made. |
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2005 |
Backus Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon Bin-Soiled Label |
$199 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (12/2008): The dense 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard (93% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Petit Verdot and Malbec) offers sweet creme de cassis aromas interwoven with scorched earth, espresso roast, and licorice. Full-bodied as well as elegant with sweet tannin, gorgeous purity, and admirable depth, this effort has developed beautifully since I tasted it last year. It appears to have 25 or more years of aging potential.
VM 92+ (6/2008): Cool but sweet aromas of medicinal black fruits, licorice, menthol and graphite; today this comes across as sweeter than the Insignia. Then massive and pliant for the year, showing a distinctly warmer character than the Insignia. With aeration, this exuded lovely inner-palate perfume, thanks to bright acidity, which gives lift to the fruit. But this very young wine finishes with substantial tannic clout.
WS 92 (10/2008): Shows off a distinctive minty herbal character and is dry and firmly structured on the palate, with glimpses of red currant and black cherry peaking through. Yet this is tight, focused, concentrated and balanced, and once it's past this phase, it should provide plenty of excitement. Best from 2011 through 2017. 1,600 cases made. |
|
| Pride Mountain Vineyards |
2005 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$159 |
2 |
|
| |
| WS 96 (10/2008): Rich and complex, brimming with dense, opulent yet elegant layers of mocha, black cherry, blackberry and wild berry fruit that's pure, focused, deep and persistent, ending with mouthcoating flavors and ripe, fleshy tannins. Drink now through 2015. 1,291 cases made.
WA 93+ (12/2008): The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot) is more backward, but promising. It exhibits an inky/blue/purple color as well as notes of lead pencil shavings, toasty oak, charcoal, sweet roasted herbs, and background wood. Rich, full-bodied, and moderately tannic, it will benefit from 1-3 years of bottle age, and should last for 15+.
VM 93 (6/2009): (includes 4% petit verdot) Good full medium ruby. Crushed black fruits, licorice, sandalwood, tobacco and cocoa powder on the nose. Sweet and silky but juicy, with dark fruit and exotic spice flavors offering lovely inner-mouth aromatic character. This has a distinctly briary mountain berry aspect. The longest of these offerings, with ripe acidity and rather powerful tannins giving it a big structure. |
|
|
2005 |
Reserve Claret |
$149 |
3 |
|
| |
| 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 herbs, black currants, blackberries, espresso roast, chocolate, and oak. The wine is gorgeously textured and opulent, with a sumptuous, long finish. It is drinking splendidly well, and should continue to do so for a decade or more.
VM 92 (6/2009): (bottled in December of 2007; essentially a blend of two-thirds Vintner Select merlot and one-third reserve cabernet) Good medium ruby. Complex nose melds raspberry, tobacco, caramel and loam. Sweet but youthfully tight, with very good lift to the flavors of raspberry, graphite, cumin and turmeric. Plenty of cabernet structure here. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins. "Our biggest and most intense mountain-style wine," notes Steve Pride, adding that this wine was unapproachable early on.
WS 92 (6/2009): A seductive style, offering complex layers of mocha and cedary oak alongside ripe, intense currant and wild berry fruit that's tight, focused, full-bodied and persistent on the finish. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2017. 495 cases made. |
|
| Quilceda Creek |
2005 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$229 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (6/2013): From a hot vintage and incredible any way you look at it, the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon has that laser-like focus of a cooler year, yet the voluptuousness and richness of a warmer year. Smoked black fruits, coffee, truffle and pen ink-like aromas and flavors all emerge from this massive, incredibly full-bodied effort and on the palate, it carries itself perfectly with a weightless, yet decadent texture, masses of polished tannin and blockbuster length. More classic and textbook than the 2007, it is every bit as good. Enjoy it over the coming two decades or more. Drink now-2033.
VM 94+ (11/2008): (includes 3% merlot) Bright, saturated medium ruby. Sexy aromas of cassis, black raspberry, minerals, mocha and smoky oak. Juicy, layered and intense, with superb depth of fruit and an impression of breadth rare for Washington cabernet. This superripe wine shows considerably more finesse of tannins than the estate's red blend. This began with a slightly roasted quality but with time in the recorked bottle it appeared to gain in energy and sheer density. This was a vintage that yielded very small berries, noted Alex Golitzin.
WS 94 (6/2008): Richly aromatic, this brims with dark berry and currant aromas and flavors, shaded with espresso and dark chocolate overtones set against somewhat gritty tannins. A meaty note adds extra depth as the finish lingers on and on against the tannins. Best from 2010 through 2017. 3,400 cases made. |
|
|
2005 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$475 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (6/2013): From a hot vintage and incredible any way you look at it, the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon has that laser-like focus of a cooler year, yet the voluptuousness and richness of a warmer year. Smoked black fruits, coffee, truffle and pen ink-like aromas and flavors all emerge from this massive, incredibly full-bodied effort and on the palate, it carries itself perfectly with a weightless, yet decadent texture, masses of polished tannin and blockbuster length. More classic and textbook than the 2007, it is every bit as good. Enjoy it over the coming two decades or more. Drink now-2033.
VM 94+ (11/2008): (includes 3% merlot) Bright, saturated medium ruby. Sexy aromas of cassis, black raspberry, minerals, mocha and smoky oak. Juicy, layered and intense, with superb depth of fruit and an impression of breadth rare for Washington cabernet. This superripe wine shows considerably more finesse of tannins than the estate's red blend. This began with a slightly roasted quality but with time in the recorked bottle it appeared to gain in energy and sheer density. This was a vintage that yielded very small berries, noted Alex Golitzin.
WS 94 (6/2008): Richly aromatic, this brims with dark berry and currant aromas and flavors, shaded with espresso and dark chocolate overtones set against somewhat gritty tannins. A meaty note adds extra depth as the finish lingers on and on against the tannins. Best from 2010 through 2017. 3,400 cases made. |
|
| A. Rafanelli |
2005 |
Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Writing on Label |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Realm |
2005 |
Farella Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$115 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 92 (12/2007): From a cooler site, the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Farella Vineyard exhibits notes of mint, black currants, cherries, and licorice. This dark purple-hued, medium to full-bodied effort reveals an attractive texture as well as an elegant mouthfeel (reminiscent of a Margaux). It should drink well for 10-15+ years.
VM 92 (6/2008): (100% cabernet sauvignon) Bright medium ruby. Black cherry, mocha and nutty oak on the sweet but subdued nose. Big, rich, broad and sweet yet somehow light on its feet. A bit less fruity than the Bard but ultimately more complex, even if this will require a bit of aging to absorb its nutty oak component. Finishes with lovely ripe tannins and excellent persistence.
WS 91 (10/2008): Combines ripe, intense, complex fruit with fine structure, balance and focus. Shows a medley of black cherry, wild berry, currant and spice, with shades of cedary oak, finishing with a pure core of fruit flavors. Best from 2010 through 2016. 441 cases made. |
|
|
2005 |
The Absurd Proprietary Blend |
$225 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 93 (12/2008): The 2005 The Absurd (41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Petit Verdot, and 24% Merlot) is the most intense, extracted wine of the group. However, it needs time in the bottle, no doubt because of the elevated percentage of Petit Verdot. An inky/purple color is followed by incense, camphor, melted licorice, smoke, and blueberry as well as blackberry fruit characteristics. Dense, full-bodied, powerful, and long, this wine appears set for an enjoyable, long life. Give it 2-3 years of bottle age and consume it over the following 15+.
WS 93 (10/2009): Elegant and stylish, with ripe, fleshy black cherry, currant and wild berry fruit that's pure, focused, full-bodied and complex. Concentrated but not heavy, ending with ripe, rounded tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Merlot. Drink now through 2016. 212 cases made.
VM 91 (6/2008): (a blend of 41% cabernet sauvignon, 35% petit verdot and 24% merlot) Saturated ruby-red. At once very ripe and peppery on the nose, offering rich mocha and nutty oak notes. Superripe, sweet and high-toned, with a distinctly exotic quality to the blackberry liqueur and floral flavors. All of these wines have volatile acidity in the comparatively high 0.8 grams per liter range, but this one is the most flamboyant of the bunch. Finishes with substantial ripe tannins. Fans of the style may well score this even higher. |
|
| Ridge Vineyards |
2005 |
Nervo Vyd. Zinfandel |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| J. Rochioli Vineyards |
2005 |
Little Hill Pinot Noir Very Lightly Nicked Label |
$110 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93-95 (12/2006): There are 500 cases of the 2005 Pinot Noir Little Hill Vineyard. Reminiscent of a Russian River version of a top-notch Richebourg, it exhibits a dense ruby/purple hue along with scents of roasted meats, kirsch liqueur, blackberries, spring flowers, and spice. About 50% new French oak is used, but it is completely absorbed by the wine’s wealth of fruit and texture. Kudos to Tom Rochioli, one of the wine world’s great guys who, without any fanfare, continues to turn out world-class wines of extraordinary aromatic and flavor dimensions. Pure and full-bodied with supple tannin as well as terrific acidity, this stunning Pinot is only exceeded by its sibling, the 2005 Pinot Noir West Block.
VM 92 (6/2007): Dark red. Suave red berry-dominated nose hints at clove, cinnamon and vanilla bean. Lush and filled in, with deep, sweet raspberry and strawberry liqueur flavors and light, dusty tannins. Finishes on a vibrant red fruit note, with outstanding breadth and length. I'd drink this on the young side although I'm sure it will keep.
WS 86 (4/2008): A loamy, savory style, with more aromatics than generous flavors, with sage, dried cherry, anise and smoky earth and mushroom flavors. Drink now through 2011. 496 cases made.
BH 84 (10/2008): In contrast to the beauty of the East Block, here the nose is troubled. A bizarre nose features a mix of floral notes that are marred by reduction, onion and garlic notes and while the round, rich and slightly edgy middle weight flavors are attractive enough, the overall impression is not what it should be. Drink 2010+. |
|
|
2005 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$45 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 91 (12/2006): The 2005 Pinot Noir Estate offers delicious raspberry and black cherry fruit along with a hint of flowers, and crisp underlying acidity to buttress the beautiful texture and rich, heady mouthfeel. There are 4,000 cases of this cuvee, which was aged in one-third new Francois Freres barrels. Tom Rochioli told me considerable crop-thinning had to be done in 2005 to keep the Pinot Noir yields manageable. A blend of Dijon Clones 115 and 777 in addition to some of the old Pommard Clone, this stunning effort is the finest regular Pinot Noir Rochioli has yet produced. Drink it over the next 7-10 years. Kudos to Tom Rochioli, one of the wine world’s great guys who, without any fanfare, continues to turn out world-class wines of extraordinary aromatic and flavor dimensions.
WS 90 (6/2007): Shows aromas of floral, cherry, wild berry and raspberry fruit. Compact and delicate on the palate, ending with an earthen floor and mushroom note that adds complexity. Drink now through 2010. 4,030 cases made.
VM 90 (6/2007): Light red. Vibrant strawberry and raspberry on the nose, with an earthy rhubarb accent. Fine-grained and silky, with bright red berry flavors, good depth and a refreshing mineral quality on the finish. The suave texture and sweet red fruits reminded me of Volnay, as did the lush, harmonious tannins.
BH 86 (10/2007): A very candied nose reminds me of sweet fruit, indeed even somewhat like some of the more commercial examples of Beaujolais. The round, easy and supple flavors carry a hint of dill weed and the finish is as sweet as the nose. In sum, this is quite a particular effort and not for me. Drink 2009+. |
|
|
2005 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Nicked Label |
$45 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 91 (12/2006): The 2005 Pinot Noir Estate offers delicious raspberry and black cherry fruit along with a hint of flowers, and crisp underlying acidity to buttress the beautiful texture and rich, heady mouthfeel. There are 4,000 cases of this cuvee, which was aged in one-third new Francois Freres barrels. Tom Rochioli told me considerable crop-thinning had to be done in 2005 to keep the Pinot Noir yields manageable. A blend of Dijon Clones 115 and 777 in addition to some of the old Pommard Clone, this stunning effort is the finest regular Pinot Noir Rochioli has yet produced. Drink it over the next 7-10 years. Kudos to Tom Rochioli, one of the wine world’s great guys who, without any fanfare, continues to turn out world-class wines of extraordinary aromatic and flavor dimensions.
WS 90 (6/2007): Shows aromas of floral, cherry, wild berry and raspberry fruit. Compact and delicate on the palate, ending with an earthen floor and mushroom note that adds complexity. Drink now through 2010. 4,030 cases made.
VM 90 (6/2007): Light red. Vibrant strawberry and raspberry on the nose, with an earthy rhubarb accent. Fine-grained and silky, with bright red berry flavors, good depth and a refreshing mineral quality on the finish. The suave texture and sweet red fruits reminded me of Volnay, as did the lush, harmonious tannins.
BH 86 (10/2007): A very candied nose reminds me of sweet fruit, indeed even somewhat like some of the more commercial examples of Beaujolais. The round, easy and supple flavors carry a hint of dill weed and the finish is as sweet as the nose. In sum, this is quite a particular effort and not for me. Drink 2009+. |
|
| Rudius |
2005 |
Grenache |
$30 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (6/2008): Dark, hazy red. Smoky black raspberry, cured meat, exotic flowers and candied licorice on the nose. Fleshy and round, offering sappy red and dark berry flavors and impressive juicy lift. Seductively sweet and balanced wine with very good finishing clarity and fruity, peppery persistence. |
|
| Saxum |
2005 |
Bone Rock James Berry Vyd. Syrah (1.5 L) Very Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$325 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (6/2008): A sensational effort, the 2005 Bone Rock James Berry Vineyard is a combination of 93% Syrah and 7% Grenache. This decadently gorgeous, lavishly concentrated, stunningly pure wine was aged in demi-muids/pungeons. A terrific texture is accompanied by a sumptuous bouquet and equally prodigious flavors of kirsch, cassis, licorice, smoke, and crushed rocks. It still has some structure to resolve, but this fabulous effort should hit its stride in 2-3 years, and keep for 12-15 years. The bottled 2005s are all performing well.
VM 95 (12/2007): Glass-staining purple. Exotic boysenberry, kirsch and candied violet aromas are positively intoxicating, expanding with air and picking up a wild, head shop-like character. Deep, chewy and sweet, offering palate-coating dark berry liqueur flavors and urgent mineral lift. It's remarkable for a wine to possess such weight and sweetness while maintaining focus-even elegance. Finishes with outstanding breadth and cling, leaving flowers and boysenberry in its wake. "This is the last one we'll release this year," owner/winemaker Justin Smith told me, also noting that he's not afraid to put syrah into a high percentage of new oak, depending on the vintage, since "it's a variety that can easily handle it." WS 93 (3/2008): Dark, dense, rich and concentrated, with a tight, firm band of blackberry, wild berry, dark chocolate and smoky oak, revealing wonderful depth, concentration and complexity. Syrah and Grenache. Drink now through 2012. 350 cases made. |
|
|
2005 |
Rocket Block James Berry Vyd. Grenache (1.5 L) Nicked Label |
$295 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (6/2014): Another superb southern Rhone-like blend (Chateauneuf du Pape-like actually) that comes from a single block of James Berry Vineyard, the 2005 Rocket Block James Berry Vineyard offers off-the-hook levels of sweet blackcurrants, black raspberries, exotic spices, crushed flowers and hints of incense on the nose. Full-bodied, super-concentrated and sweetly fruited, with a voluptuous and rounded texture, this beauty is drinking perfectly now, and should continue to thrill for another 4-5 years.
WS 94 (12/2007): Has amazing fruit purity and range of flavor, with tiers of fleshy dark berry fruit built around plum, wild berry, pomegranate and boysenberry. Holds onto a tight focus, ending with waves of supple flavors that are remarkably complex and vibrant. Grenache and Syrah. Drink now through 2012. 250 cases made.
VM 92 (12/2007): (93% grenache and 7% syrah) Dark red. Graceful red berry and cherry aromas, with complicating floral and mineral qualities adding energy. Brisk but pliant redcurrant and strawberry on the palate, with silky tannins adding shape. Very fresh, elegant and precise, with the balance and suave acidity to reward cellaring. This is more understated than the other bottlings I tried at Saxum, but lacks nothing in flavor interest. |
|
| Scherrer Winery |
2005 |
Scherrer Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (375 ML) |
$29.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (6/2010): Vivid red. Expressive aromas of cassis, licorice, pipe tobacco and rose. There's a restrained sweetness and alluring subtlety to the flavors of cassis, candied flowers, licorice and herbs. Seamless and broad but nicely delineated, finishing with very good clarity, silky tannins and lingering sweetness. |
|
| Schrader |
2005 |
CCS Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$489 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 100 (6/2015): The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon CCS (14.6% alcohol and 175 cases) is absolutely out of this world. I have given more perfect scores to this cuvée than any of the other Schrader wines. Made from Clone 4 with slight additions of Clone 6 and 337, it is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, like all these wines from the Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard. This wine has a glorious nose of licorice, cedar wood, vanillin, creme de cassis, blackberry and graphite. Super-rich and velvety, with sweet, supple tannins, an opulent full-bodied mouthfeel, and a skyscraper-like finish, this prodigious wine is drinking beautifully, and just now coming into its adolescence. It should go on for another 20-25 years.
WA 95 (9/2015): Deliciously pure, supple, focused and rich in ripe fruit flavors, with a medley of dark berry, raspberry and blueberry notes that are refreshingly supple and delicate. Most impressive for the finesse, charm and grace. At a good point now, but there's no rush.—2005 California Cabernet blind retrospective (September 2015). Drink now through 2025. 175 cases made. |
|
|
2005 |
MMV Old Sparky Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$1,399 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 100 (6/2015): The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Old Sparky (only available in magnums) is the highest in alcohol (14.8%) and, again, was aged in 100% new Darnajou barrels. This is just magnificent and at age ten, tasting like it was four to five years of age. Of course, tasting from magnum contributed somewhat to that, but it’s a great, great example of the Schrader’s favorite cuvée, hence the name. It is predominantly made from Clone 6, with small amounts of Clones 4 and 337. Like all these wines, it has an inky purple color, with notes of licorice, forest floor, graphite, cedar wood and creme de cassis and new saddle leather. Voluptuously textured, expansive, savory and full-bodied, with super-sweet tannins and a finish that goes on for close to a minute, this is a prodigious wine and one of the superstars of the vintage. Look for it to drink well for another 30+ years. |
|
|
2005 |
MMV Old Sparky Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) Lightly Scuffed Label |
$1,399 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 100 (6/2015): The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Old Sparky (only available in magnums) is the highest in alcohol (14.8%) and, again, was aged in 100% new Darnajou barrels. This is just magnificent and at age ten, tasting like it was four to five years of age. Of course, tasting from magnum contributed somewhat to that, but it’s a great, great example of the Schrader’s favorite cuvée, hence the name. It is predominantly made from Clone 6, with small amounts of Clones 4 and 337. Like all these wines, it has an inky purple color, with notes of licorice, forest floor, graphite, cedar wood and creme de cassis and new saddle leather. Voluptuously textured, expansive, savory and full-bodied, with super-sweet tannins and a finish that goes on for close to a minute, this is a prodigious wine and one of the superstars of the vintage. Look for it to drink well for another 30+ years. |
|
| Shafer Vineyards |
2005 |
Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon |
$299 |
6 |
|
| |
WA 97 (12/2008): 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.
VM 94-97 (6/2007): Bright ruby-red. Pure, vibrant aromas of blackberry, cassis, lead pencil, violet, licorice and minerals. Wonderfully fine-grained and deep, with sharp definition and lovely floral high notes to the flavors of blueberry, cassis and spice. Finishes with noble, suave tannins and outstanding slow-building length. This 100% cabernet wine has all the elements to make an outstanding bottle. Winemaker Fernandez, who rates it with the 2002 and 2001 as his favorites among recent vintages, described the crop level of 2.5 tons per acre as "on the high side" and the largest since the '97, which came in at over 3.0.
WS 92-94 (8/2006): Thick and racy, with zesty wild berry, blackberry and boysenberry fruit that's ripe and well-structured, with firm tannins and a long, intense aftertaste that keeps the emphasis on the fruit. |
|
| Silver Oak |
2005 |
Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 89 (6/2009): Good deep red-ruby. 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. Incidentally, the production of this wine was increased in the early part of this decade and is now in the 75,000 case range.
WS 82 (11/2009): Tight, tannic and full-bodied, with chewy cedar, dried currant, sage and herbal notes. Gains complexity despite the chewy tannins and may reward short-term cellaring. Drink now through 2015. 74,000 cases made. |
|
| Sine Qua Non |
2005 |
Atlantis Fe2O3-2d Vin de Paille Grenache (375 ML) |
$225 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 94 (12/2008): Medium red. Impressively complex nose offers a wild bouquet of raspberry, violet, pepper, smoky Indian spices and vanilla. Juicy red and dark berry flavors are deep, sweet and sappy, with dark chocolate and candied flowers adding complexity. A building spiciness adds energy to the lush, liqueur-like berry flavors. Finishes with outstanding sweet persistence and lingering spices. Seven people took two days to hand-destem a mere 1.3 tons of fruit. Incidentally, the amount of fruit that Krankl pulls from his densely planted, severely green-harvested vineyard is absurdly low: in 2006 his white wine yield was 1.28 tons per acre, grenache was 1.31 tons per acre, and syrah was 1.52 tons.
WA 90+ (6/2008): A curiosity that is clearly not among my favorites of this group is the 2005 Atlantis Fe 203-2d Grenache Vin de Paille from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard. With 8% alcohol, 370 grams per liter of residual sugar, and 12.2 grams of acidity, it still tastes disjointed at present, but I believe it just needs time to sort itself out. Krankl told me that every cluster was hand-destemmed, and it took seven people two full days to destem 1.3 tons of fruit ... an amazingly laborious effort. Perhaps it is because it is a sweet red that throws me off, especially in the company of such legendary whites, but I could not get my head wrapped around it as well as the others.
WS 90 (12/2008): Complex aromas of dried blueberry, mineral, sage and espresso. Finishes with taut tannins and lovely floral and spicy nuances that give this a sense of authenticity. Drink now through 2012. 990 cases made. |
|
|
2005 |
Strapless Rose |
$1,990 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2005 |
The 17th Nail in My Cranium Syrah Very Lightly Wrinkled Label; Very Lightly Scuffed Label; Cracked Wax Capsule |
$1,150 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (8/2009): The 2005 Syrah The 17th Nail In My Cranium, a blend of 96.5% Syrah and 3.5% Viognier which is aged 38 months prior to bottling. (I always wonder what Marcel Guigal would think of a wine like this which seems to tip its hat in the direction of Cote Rotie and then goes into high gear and clearly says, “I’m just something very different, but thanks for even thinking of that appellation while smelling and tasting me.") Black as a moonless night, the 2005 17th Nail reveals a stunning nose of spring flowers intermixed with creme de cassis, blackberries, charcoal, graphite, and hints of lard and barbecue spices. Dense, with an endless (and I mean endless) finish, remarkable purity, and layer upon layer of flavor, but no sense of heaviness or flabbiness, this prodigious Syrah should evolve for 15 or more years.
WS 98 (2/2010): Fantastic spice aromas lead to notes of fresh ground black pepper, beef carpaccio, rich blackberry and roasted coffee, giving this an exotic mix of flavors. Dense, concentrated, structured and tightly focused, striking a balance between the broad array of flavors and the firm tannins. Drink now through 2018. 398 cases made.
VM 97 (12/2009): Glass-staining purple. Hypnotic bouquet of blackberry, boysenberry, black pepper, olive tapenade and smoked meat, with a strong note of potpourri gaining with aeration. Deep, sweet and remarkably pure, offering broad dark berry and cherry compote flavors, with exotic floral and spice notes adding complexity. Becomes chewier on the finish but yields none of its sweet, palate-saturating fruit. |
|
| Sloan |
2005 |
Asterisk Proprietary Blend |
$105 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2005 |
Asterisk Proprietary Blend Scuffed Label; Bin-Soiled Label |
$105 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Stolpman |
2005 |
Angeli Proprietary Blend |
$39 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (6/2008): The 2005 Angeli, which spent 32 months in cask, boasts an inky/ruby/purple color along with notions of creme de cassis, barbecue smoke, burning embers, and plenty of espresso-infused blackberry and cassis fruit. Full-bodied, ripe, and concentrated, it is not as stunning as the 2006, but it is a well-made wine to enjoy over the next 6-7 years. |
|
| Trespass |
2005 |
Petite Sirah |
$25 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Turley Wine Cellars |
2005 |
Tofanelli Vyd. Charbono |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 86-88 (12/2006): The 2005 Charbono Tofanelli Vineyard possesses a generic, Cotes du Rhone-like character with a dark ruby/purple hue, crisp, tangy acidity, and an earthy, loamy soil note intermixed with red and black fruits. The finish falls off a bit, but remember, this is Charbono, not Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink it over the next several years. |
|
|
2005 |
Tofanelli Vyd. Charbono Very Lightly Nicked Label |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 86-88 (12/2006): The 2005 Charbono Tofanelli Vineyard possesses a generic, Cotes du Rhone-like character with a dark ruby/purple hue, crisp, tangy acidity, and an earthy, loamy soil note intermixed with red and black fruits. The finish falls off a bit, but remember, this is Charbono, not Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink it over the next several years. |
|
| Wolf Family Vineyards |
2005 |
Phaedrus Cabernet Sauvignon |
$60 |
1 |
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| WA 93 (12/2008): The more supple 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Phaedrus is a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Malbec and Petit Verdot. Aged 16 months in one-half new French oak, there are 719 cases of this beauty. A dense ruby/purple color is accompanied by loads of creme de cassis fruit intermingled with notions of roasted herbs, coffee beans, licorice, and a subtle touch of background oak. The noble sweetness of the tannins, luscious, velvety textured mid-palate, and long finish suggest this wine can be drunk now or cellared for 12-15+ years. |
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