The founder of this brand, Tony Soter, is now flourishing as a wine producer in Oregon, but he used to be a prominent producer in Napa. His 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc) has a dense purple color, with restrained notes of oak, black fruits, and loamy soil tones. Youthful firmness and grip suggest this wine is not yet near full maturity. It is concentrated, medium to full-bodied, pure and meticulously well-made. Nevertheless it’s not singing as of yet, although all the component parts are there for a promising future. Give it another 2-3 years and drink it over the next 15 years.

Marked by edgy, dusty, cedary tannins throughout, with a raw texture overshadowing the mix of crushed rock–laced dark berry flavors. Most interesting on the finish where this displays a loamy earth and graphite texture.—2005 California Cabernet blind retrospective (September 2015). Drink now through 2024. 4,000 cases made.??–JL??Region: California / Napa / Napa Valley Select to Add