(an 82/18 blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot) Good full ruby. Sappy aromas of black raspberry, licorice and minerals, with complicating notes of maple syrup and truffle. Lush, sweet and fruit-driven, with fresh acidity framing the flavors of black raspberry, tobacco and dark chocolate. Finishes with firm, fine tannins and lingering fruit. This was the first vintage made for Roy by Philippe Melka. The vineyard is located at the bottom of Soda Canyon, south of Stag's Leap. According to Melka, the 2005 was made from the loamy lower section of the property, while the 2006 came from the rockier upper section.

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This 17-acre vineyard on the eastern side of Napa is owned by Charles and Shirley Roy. Located in what is known as the Soda Canyon area, the vineyard was planted under the direction of Helen Turley, but today's winemaker is Philippe Melka. They have two wines in their cuvee, a Bordeaux blend and, of course, their Cabernet Sauvignon. My favorite of the quartet of wines I tasted is the 2005 Proprietary Red, a blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17% Merlot (1,500 cases produced). Of course, Soda Canyon is a southern Napa region and cool, much like its neighbor Stags Leap. This wine exhibits very Bordeaux-like notes of black currants, chocolate, underbrush, and some background oak. With beautiful sweet fruit, striking elegance, well-integrated acidity, and a dense ruby/purple color and medium to full body, this will be a long-lived wine.

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Creamy oak offers a touch of dill and cedar in the aroma. The dried currant and berry flavors are smooth, rich and intense, offering depth and complexity. Needs time in the bottle, given its tight structure. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot.

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Medium legs. Big fruit but still with Edgy Tannins. Disipating some after 1 hour plus decanting. Chocolate, anis, and cherry. Good but I am not at a 94 on this wine