2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill
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Tasting notes
Meaty, savory aromas and spicy complexity on the palate show the fascinating way that a great cabernet evolves over time. Aromas of beef broth, green olives, sage and black pepper lead to nicely earthy, floral and spiced plum flavors on relaxed, resolved tannins. Drink now.
Critic scores
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Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Bright, full red-ruby. Delightfully floral and cool on the nose following the 2004, offering good mineral lift to the aromas of red berries, licorice and rose petal. Clearly tighter than the '04, in a much more classic style but still youthfully imploded, showing a subtle salinity to its redcurrant and raspberry flavors. There's compelling sweetness here but a less glyceral texture than some of the richest vintages. Boasts outstanding structure for long-term aging, though, finishing very young, savory and long, with firm tannic spine and hints of hoisin sauce and spices.
Bright, full red-ruby. Delightfully floral and cool on the nose following the 2004, offering good mineral lift to the aromas of red berries, licorice and rose petal. Clearly tighter than the '04, in a much more classic style but still youthfully imploded, showing a subtle salinity to its redcurrant and raspberry flavors. There's compelling sweetness here but a less glyceral texture than some of the richest vintages. Boasts outstanding structure for long-term aging, though, finishing very young, savory and long, with firm tannic spine and hints of hoisin sauce and spices. (ST) 95+
Certainly a somewhat mythical estate, planted by Helen Turley and John Wetlaufer and owned by Don Bryant of St. Louis, the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is an outstanding wine, but not in the league of some of their classics that have been produced. For example, the 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999 and 2007, 2010 and more recent vintages, 2012 and 2013 are all superior to this 2005. Somewhat loosely knit for Bryant, this wine has relatively lofty alcohol and seems to be close to full maturity. ) Lots of blackberry and cassis fruit as well as a touch of kirsch are present in this soft, full-bodied, sexy wine, which still has a rather inky garnet/purple color. It doesn’t have the complexity of the greatest vintages of Bryant, but it’s delicious, and certainly on its own merits, worthy of any serious connoisseurs attention. Drink it now and over the next 12-15 years.
About the producer
Founded by Don Bryant in 1986, Bryant Estate is built around a 13-acre vineyard rising from 900 to 1,200 feet on Pritchard Hill. Now led by Bettina Bryant, its acclaimed Bryant Family Vineyard is regarded as one of Napa Valley’s benchmark Cabernet Sauvignons.