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