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.