Published in Mid November 2005
Wines, Spirits and Beers published in the Mid November 2005 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
Cakebread 2001 Benchland Select Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
- $95
The big ’01s are still rolling out. This one’s very fine and Oakville-y, showing well-oaked, lush black currant and cassis fruit, with a cocoa finish. It has soft, intricately sweet tannins. It’s quite delicious now, but seems balanced enough to age through the medium term. Drink before 2010.
— S.H.
(11/15/2005)
Charles Krug 2002 Vintage Selection Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
- Cellar Selection
- $51
A ripe but firm, balanced Cabernet. The black currant and cassis flavors mesh well with the oak and soft tannins, leading to real elegance. Drinks well now, but should hold for a good 10 years, if not longer.
— S.H.
(11/15/2005)
Iron Horse 2002 T bar T Vineyard Merlot (Alexander Valley)
- $30
After all the Sideways kicks Merlot took, this wine shows there’s a real future for the variety, if vintners will take it seriously. It has the classic structure of a Cabernet, yet is softer and gentler, although no less complex and rewarding. The cherry compote, cocoa and vanilla flavors are reminiscent of the candies and desserts we grew up with, with…
— S.H.
(11/15/2005)
Iron Horse 2002 T bar T Vineyard Cabernet Franc (Alexander Valley)
- $30
I’ve never quite understood why California vintners bottle Cab Franc separately, but this wine shows why the great ones deserve it. Where Cabernet Sauvignon is all black currants, this is cherries, pure and simple. It’s got the balance, finesse, complexity and allure that Iron Horse T-bar-T reds consistently show, with a different flavor profile.
— S.H.
(11/15/2005)
Iron Horse 2002 T bar T Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley)
- $35
Coming off the high hills of the Mayacamas despite the valley designation, this Cab showcases the softness and slight herbaceousness of Alexander Valley Cabs, along with mountain intensity and the power of winemaker Forrest Tancer’s low-yield viticulture. It’s a beautiful wine, generous and complex, rich in fruit yet dry, balanced and elegant.
— S.H.
(11/15/2005)
Optima 2003 Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley)
- Editors' Choice
- $25
Absolutely delicious, compulsively drinkable. This is quintessential Dry Creek Zin, robust yet fine, packed with sweet wild berry and fruit flavors, spicy and balanced. There’s a polish of raisins and chocolate on the finish that make it especially delightful.
— S.H.
(11/15/2005)
William Hill Estate 2001 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
- $36
Released about a year later than the regular ’01, this is still a pretty tannic Cab. But it’s rich enough now to have with a good steak, and in fact a beef dish with a wine reduction sauce could be perfect. The oak is smoky-sweet and filled with vanilla, the overall impression high-class.
— S.H.
(11/15/2005)
Scherrer 2002 Fort Ross Vineyard Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast)
- $28
Deliciously firm and complex, this Chard shows well-ripened tropical fruit flavors with a mineral-and-steel tanginess and high acidity. It’s well-oaked, but those sappy, charry vanilla flavors really play well against the fruit.
— S.H.
(11/15/2005)
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