With its excellent quality and abundant crop size, the 2005
vintage has the potential to be among the best of the decade. Heavy
rainfall after bud break and during fruit set made for a nervous
start to the growing season. Fortunately, temperatures rose
following bloom and remained moderate throughout the summer. The
late spring rains and moderate temperatures reduced the need for
irrigation, and some of our blocks were dry farmed throughout the
season. In September, warmer weather arrived with an Indian summer
that provided ideal conditions for the final push to
ripeness.
In
its youth, this wine rewards those who let it sit in the glass and
open up before discovering its generous character. At first, it
presents dark fruit and fl oral aromas, then an earthy hint of
rosemary and black truffl e. Similar fl avors unfold, including
dark cherry, blueberry and plum that join with cocoa powder and
spiced vanilla. This mouthfilling wine builds in richness and
density through its long, smooth finish.
Try it with a dry-aged porterhouse steak, grilled game, or a
wild mushroom tart.