2005 Cadence Bel Canto
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Tasting notes
Cadence’s version of the legendary Cheval Blanc is the 2005 Bel Canto, a blend of 50% Cabernet Franc, 42% Merlot, and 8% Petit Verdot, a selection of the best barrels of these grape varieties in the cellar. Saturated crimson in color, it presents an expressive bouquet of pain grille, pencil lead, espresso roast, black cherry, and plum. This is followed by a wine with superb grip, a smooth palate-feel, layers of ripe fruit, and a 45-second finish. Give it 5-7 years of further bottle age and drink it through 2030. The Cadence winery, located in a warehouse in the South Park region of Seattle, is owned and operated by husband and wife team Ben Smith and Gaye McNutt. All of their wine is produced from Red Mountain fruit selected from several of the most prestigious vineyards. They are all blends of the Bordeaux varieties. In 2006 the winery produced 2300 cases. Cadence is high on the 2005 vintage, calling it “the finest vintage Washington State has seen to date. Period.” The vineyard designates are aged in 40% new French oak typically for 18 months Tel. (206) 381-9507; www.cadencewinery.com
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jay S Miller, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
(50% cabernet franc, 42% merlot and 8% petit verdot) Good medium-deep red. Blacker fruits on the nose, along with chocolate and tarry oak nuances. Lush and dense in texture but with excellent energy and lift; this round, sweet blend really expands in the mouth. I found Saint-Emilion-like notes of plum, milk chocolate, coffee, spices and dried herbs, all firmed by subtle minerality. Not at all a blockbuster, but this boasts a very suave middle palate. Finishes with broad, ripe tannins and subtle persistence. Like the Tapteil bottling, this showed an explosive chocolatey character with extended aeration while maintaining its firm spine. This was made mostly from Tapteil and Ciel du Cheval fruit, with a bit of Klipsun merlot added.