From a 23-acre vineyard planted on the so-called red Rutherford dust, the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Bosche Vineyard is a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Merlot. While it does not reach the level of some past legends (1974), it reveals a sumptuous perfume of creme de cassis, loamy soil, and spicy oak, followed by tightly-constructed, medium to full-bodied flavors with sweet tannin, outstanding concentration, and admirable overall equilibrium. While it still plays it close to the vest, its quality/pedigree is obvious. Consume it over the next 15+ years. Freemark Abbey has finally begun to rebound after a long period of mediocrity. Old timers remember that in the late sixties and early to mid-seventies, this estate made some incredible wines from Rutherford’s Bosche Vineyard.Tel.(800) 963-9698; Fax (707) 963-0554

Drier and earthier than many Napa Cabs these days, this wine has subtle sage and sweet licorice that grounds its fruitier flavors of blackberries, cherries and raspberries. Very beautiful are the tannins, which are rich and pure, suggesting perfect ripeness. The small Bosche bottling has been a premier one for the winery for many years, and this ’05 is one of the best in memory. Should age effortlessly for at least a dozen years. ——S.H.(6/1/2010)—— 95