The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve was aged for 30 months in 100% new French oak and spent time on its lees. Yields for this wine, selected from a tenderloin parcel of the vineyard, was 1.5 tons per acre. Saturated purple, the aromatic array includes toasty new oak, pencil lead, spice box, black currant, and blackberry liqueur. On the palate the wine has terrific grip and power. All of its components are nicely integrated and the finish lasts for nearly a minute. Vigneron Scott Greer appears to be the rising star in Yakima Valley. He began planting his vineyard in 1997 and now all of the wines are estate bottled (a model that appears to be the wave of the future in Washington). The vineyards are still young so it would appear that the best is yet to come. Typical yields are 2 tons of fruit per acre and current production stands at 5000 cases. Kudos to Scott Greer for a superb portfolio of wines www.sheridanvineyard.com

More powerful and potent than the ’04, this simply has more juice, more depth, more power and more detail than any previous Sheridan wine. The fruit is exceptional—dense black cherry and cassis, with a sense of compact layering that promises great aging potential. This was 30 months in oak but does not seem oaky in any way. It already has the balance, the polish and the length to justify long-term cellaring. Tannins are ripe and supple, bringing in hints of dried herb and black olive.——P.G.(5/1/2009)—— 94