2005 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is now fully mature. Spice, worn-in leather, game, plum and dried cherry are all signatures of a wine that is peaking. The aromatics are more advanced than the palate, though. The 2005 has enough depth to hang on for a few more years, but it is not going to improve.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Cigars, earthy, blueberry and cassis with heady alcohol and a really juicy palate from enthusiastic acidity. Smoothly tannic texture, lots of body and weight but all in balance and with proper tertiary maturity too. (RH)
Full medium red. Wild, musky aromas of dark raspberry, mocha, caramel, tobacco, herbs and game are lifted by a floral topnote. Round, tactile and fat, with sexy dark fruit flavors complicated by leather, olive, roasted herbs and spices. Finishes distinctly firm, with big, ripe, tongue- and tooth-dusting tannins and very good spicy length.
Has Cabernet's classic forest floor and cedar complexity that is missing from many super-ripe Napa wines. Juicy and jazzy, with cassis, black cherry, black spice, cocoa, sturdy tannins and racy acidity. (LM) $50