Sloan Proprietary Red 2005

Professional Ratings

• 96 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  This vineyard, high above the Rutherford AVA, on the gorgeous hillside not far from the famed restaurant and hotel Auberge du Soleil, has produced a winner in my retrospective of 2005s. This is clearly a great terroir, and that comes through in this savory, broad, expansive, pure 2005 Proprietary Red from Sloan. Offering black raspberry and blackcurrant fruit, silky tannins, notes of forest floor and spice box, and loamy soil undertones, the wine is dense, full-bodied, opulent, and just entering its plateau of maturity, where it should keep for another 15-20 years. This was one of the stunners in the great line-up that I tasted of 10-year-old North Coast Cabernet Sauvignons.
• 94 Wine Spectator
  A bold, rich and ripe style, with complex black cherry, plum and wild berry fruit and a cedary graphite edge. Plush, concentrated and full-bodied, coating the palate, yet for all its size and chewiness this remains elegant, balanced and supported by firm tannins, showing a trace of heat on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot.
• 92 James Suckling
  Wonderful aromas of cedar, cigar box, currants, and dark berries. Nice notes of cappuccino, that open up to mint and flowers. Full bodied, with velvety tannins and fresh acidity. This is spicy and juicy, with generous fruit but held back. An exciting wine with a warm and juicy finish, and hints of tar.