2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
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Tasting notes
(13.5% alcohol): Bright red-ruby. Aromas of currant, tobacco and dusty herbs, along with an obvious element of exotic. Not an overripe style but comes across as a bit oaky for its moderate flesh and ripeness, offering flavors of sweet redcurrant, cherry and dried sage. Finishes with dusty tannins and an herbal element. This will always be a rather firm, dry style, so I don't see any reason not to pour this 2016.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
((100) Good deep red-ruby. Musky aromas of cassis, licorice, game, tobacco leaf and subtle brown spices. Velvety-sweet and deep, with hints of tobacco leaf, mint and herbs giving definition to the middle palate. Nicely bright but youthfully tight wine, finishing with broad tannins. Carrying a moderate 13.5% alcohol. Still tight, but then this won't be released until next winter. Incidentally, following Silver Oak's purchase of a vineyard in Soda Canyon in 1999, this wine now relies less on contract fruit.