Winemaker's Notes
The 2005 growing season
can be generalized as long, slow, and mild, but all the fun came in the
month-to-month variations. We saw very early bud break here at the
Estate, followed by limited growth due to cool temperatures and an
exceptionally wet spring – especially the month of May. Even June was
mild, with some rain. July finally brought much needed steady warmth,
but no major heat spikes, providing a constant environment for great
vine growth and berry development. Warm weather continued into early
August, but then it cooled off through most of September, great for
fruit ripening. Yet another heat wave arrived toward the end of
September, just in time to push the Cabernet to full maturity. In sum,
the weather could not have worked out better if we had custom ordered
it. Tasting Notes
Dark and powerful in the
glass with great density and saturation, this wine grabs your attention
from the first glance. Luscious and rich on the nose with great depth,
we find top notes of violets, cassis, and rich dark cherry, all riding
over a base of warm leather, cocoa, wet stone and molasses. The palate
opens with red raspberry and blackcurrants before building to
mouth-filling ripe cherry, a beautiful acid balance, and round rich
velvety tannins. The incredible intensity of the palate fades slowly
leaving a finish of dried fruits and hints of clove with remarkable
weight and tremendous persistence. |
