Good deep ruby-red. Blackcurrant, minerals, mocha and sexy spices on the musky, slightly gamey nose. Big, lush and sweet but with sneaky acidity giving shape to the creamy flavors. I like this very rich wine's exhilarating high tones in the middle palate. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins and noteworthy energy. A worthy follow-up to the excellent 2004.

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The lush, opulent, flamboyant 2005 Matriarch offers copious quantities of black cherry and black currant fruit, lead pencil, and earth. Already delicious, it hits just about every sweet spot on the palate.

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Notes of smoky currant and black and red licorice, with herb and cedar hints, give this a nice range of flavors, firming up on the finish.

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WOTN for some, this was probably the most classic and balanced Cabernet of the night. The wine was the best bottle of Matriarch that I have had to date. Made from multiple sources across the Napa Valley, the Matriarch is a wine that varies a lot from vintage to vintage from my experience. Color: Deep red claret, with vibrant red edges. Nose & Palate: Currants, cassis, cherry, some graphite and a tad of sweet oak and spice. The palate of this wine was walking the perfect balance between fruit, acidity and tannin. The wine was complete front to back with a seamless integration of the oak. A long, tannin laden fruit filled finish was outstanding.