The Allure Of Youth

I know: A 2005 Cabernet from Napa?? Isn’t that a bit young for a big Napa Cab? Well usually yes, but the youth effect here is more akin to veal and lamb than it is undercooked chicken. Ok, gross analogies aside, I loved this cab when I tried it last week. I’ve always loved the Caymus Napa Cabernet, feeling it delivers 95% of the Special Selection at 1/2 the price- ain’t nothing wrong with that! Full throttle dark fruit, enthusiastic tannins that leave no doubt this wine means business, and rich blueberry and raspberry concentrate make for just a tease of what’s to come. Think espresso, mocha, tobacco, mineral notes of graphite and flint, and a finish to rival the Energizer Bunny. Get it while you can, we nearly blew through our entire allocation (one of the largest in CA) in one day. Buy, keep, or drink now through 2015 at a minimum. - E. SMITH

WI Taste: 96
WI Value: 97

Unfiltered, Unabashed, Undeniably Californian

The strangest thing happened when we tried the new vintage of Newton Unfiltered Chardonnay.: As we were all gushing, someone said, "This tastes like the quintessential California Chardonnay." Not sooner than the words were uttered, we all said at the same time, “Or at least what we wish the quintessential CA Chard tasted like.” Because it’s true, so rarely do we ever get to taste that perfectly-balanced, complex and juicy Chardonnay that doesn’t overload. Tons of opulent fruit that, while not as viscous as the 2004, shows purity that I’ve been hard-pressed to find lately. Partially due - I’m sure - to the delicate acidity lingering in the background. This is stunning wine that makes you feel more sophisticated just by drinking it. - E. SMITH

WI Taste: 95
WI Value: 93

HUSIC CABERNET 2004

You would think that with the amount of expensive Napa Cabs out there, finding an amazing bottle wouldn’t be that difficult. But it is, partially because it takes that rare intersection of winemaking skill, winegrower ability, and most importantly, phenomenal terroir to create that wine. When I tasted the Husic Vineyards Estate 2004 Cabernet all these factors had collided to produce one of the most intense, powerful and elegant Cabs I’ve had in a very long time. At $125 you would expect an amazing wine and this one is, and worth every penny. It has an incredibly silky texture which almost betrays just how rich it is. Concentrated blackberry, espresso, graphite, baking spices, and cocoa swirl together in a symphony of flavors that deliver for minutes on the palate AND the finish. I know it sounds cliché, but this wine to me has all the trappings to become one of the top collector wines to come out of Napa. Only her 4th vintage as winemaker with Husic, Celia Masyczek has certainly crafted a wine that will live up to her other wines, particularly those of famed D.R. Stephens. E SMITH

WI Taste: 95
WI Value: 91