August 24, 2020 - Deep, dark reddish-purple garnet in color with ever-so-slight clearing at the edges. Full, forward & fragrant nose of ripe fruit aromas of dark cherries, blackberries & plums with overtones of cedar & earthy/dusty notes, cocoa, herbal notes of mint, pepper, tobacco, leather, minerals, spices & a hint of vanilla/oak in the background. Medium-full bodied with a very good concentration of well balanced & smooth textured, ripe fruit flavors of dark cherries, blackberries & plums with herbs, minerals, cocoa, spices & a hint of vanilla/oak in the background. Lingering smooth finish. Drinks quite well at present & at 15 years old, it is approaching its peak of development although should hold onto its current peak for a few more years if cellared properly.
March 20, 2020 - Still a nice cab. We loved the nose. Sour cherry, vanilla and spice on the palate.
May 29, 2019 - Still a solid cab. But just that. Has lost some of its nose and fruit, replaced by a more peppery tone. Very enjoyable. Still exhibits some of the heat that characterizes the 2005 vintage.
March 28, 2017 - Our bottle is in a very good place, drinking-wise. Decanted off its significant sediment and let breathe for two hours. The nose is classically restrained, trending in the sour cherry direction with some spice and herb notes. Very well integrated after bell pepper and a frightening whiff of VA blew off. Medium weight, medium silk, and no discernible tannins with a mouthfull of steak. I probably added a point for nostalgia...this is the wine that got me into wine. I'd volunteered at the Jackson Hole Wine Auction (R.I.P.) and poured this and the 2007 Three Palms Merlot at a tasting. The Duckhorn rep gave me a bottle of the Merlot, but I preferred at the time this cab and bought a bottle. Should have bought at least another...wine lesson #1 should be never buy just one of ANYTHING!
February 25, 2017 - Nice but a little flat. Possibly past its prime
July 12, 2015 - Opened and poured after about an hour. Somewhat tight and thin initially. Opened beautifully after another 30+ mins. A really nice cab. Typical of other 2005s I've had-a little hot-but nice sour cherry and leather flavors and a lovely nose.
November 14, 2014 - Nice body with overripe cherries, green peppers, leather and tobacco. A bit sharp, not showing enough fruits.
May 7, 2014 - yum. Sediment in the bottle. Tannins are still strong. Still feeling dried cherries.
March 29, 2014 - lot of fruit ... good long finish
The wine looks purple colored. The legs are medium. There is light sediment in the bottle. It smells like smokey bacon. The body is full. The wine has polished texture. The wine finishes long. The wine has medium acidity.
January 1, 2014 - Lourd et boisé, vanille prédominante...fait trop bonbon!