2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Burgess

This interesting winery is one of the old, iconic Napa wineries that I cut my teeth on, with their 1973, 1974 and 1975 “Vintage Selection” Cabernet Sauvignons. I was buying them based on the high recommendations from one of the early and still-in-existence independent publications rating California wines, the Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wine. I haven’t seen their wines in recent years, but the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec. Founded in 1972, the winery still exists on the western slopes of Howell Mountain. You could certainly argue that they were one of the pioneers of Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, which has become one of the great sectors in Napa. Dense ruby/purple, the wine has an impressive fruity minerality mixed with blackcurrant, fruit, spice box, background oak and foresty notes. Medium to full-bodied, rich and impressive, this is a winery that I certainly enjoyed revisiting after a long absence. This wine spent 18 months in French oak prior to being bottled. The alcohol level is listed at 14.4%. Drink it over the next 15 or more years.