The 2005 vintage was characterized by a long perfect growing season without temperature extremes which allowed long hang time to develop full physiologic ripeness of the grapes. The 2005 Proprietary Red is at once elegant, rich and powerful. Brilliant purple in color, aromas of wildflower and rose oil deepen as the wine opens. Flavors of cassis, huckleberry and tar are accented by notes of smoked meats and cardamom. Polished, fine-grained tannins are supple and silky. The multi-layered finish relaxes and evolves with time, indicating age-worthiness
95 Point Review - Master Somm Catherine Fallis Complex and exotic with notes of raspberry preserve, blueberry, rhubarb, cherry cobbler, cherry lozenge, sundried tomato, Bloody Mary, celery seed, wood shavings, sandalwood, cedar-lined trunk, cigar box and white chocolate. It is full, round, powerful, bold, and dark, with brambly, juicy fruit, a soft, supple texture, and a long, deeply fruity and cedary finish. It is beautifully balanced, evolved, and ready to enjoy now.
91 Point Review - Master Somm Andrea Robinson Paul and Debbie Erba must have had a nose for greatness. They searched for a virgin Napa property to develop, and succeeded in spades. The fruit from this vineyard has to be Napa’s sexiest. The scents and flavors of blackest cherry liqueur and sweet vanilla are tripled in intensity on the palate, all without any sense of cloying excess. The long, smoky-cherry-tobacco finish is classy.