(84% cabernet sauvignon, 9% cabernet franc and 7% merlot) Good deep red-ruby; this seemed to gain in color in the glass. Much less open on the nose than the 2004, hinting at currant, minerals, graphite and nutty oak. Densely packed and rather powerful, with blacker fruit flavors than the 2004. This finishes with a firmer tannic spine. Paul Golitzin noted that the family's 2005s are more powerful wines than their comparatively lush 2004s due in large part to smaller berry size. They'll need longer aging, he said-"maybe the longest ever!"

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The 2005 Red Wine is the winery's second label for declassified lots. It consists of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 7% Merlot. Purple-colored, it reveals an expressive bouquet of cedar, pencil lead, spice box, black currant, and blackberry. This is followed by a full-bodied, plush wine with ample ripe tannins and layers of sweet fruit. The wine has serious weight, excellent length, and will profit from several years of additional cellaring. It should be at its best from 2011 through 2020. The wine is true to the house style and is a superb value.

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Richly aromatic, this brims with dark berry and currant aromas and flavors, shaded with espresso and dark chocolate overtones set against somewhat gritty tannins. A meaty note adds extra depth as the finish lingers on and on against the tannins.

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