Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2005 Proprietary Maya, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, is one of the first wines in Napa to showcase the brilliance of Cabernet Franc grown in selected microclimates. (I recall the 1971 Robert Mondavi Reserve, which had healthy doses of Cabernet Franc and first raised the potential of this grape in Napa.) Many vintages of Maya have had much more Cabernet Franc than this particular one, but the 2005 Maya has a beautiful, dense ruby/purple color, a youthful, but extremely promising bouquet of forest floor, spring flora, blueberry, raspberry and blackcurrant fruit, medium to full body (14.5% alcohol), an almost skyscraper texture, and a long, long finish of close to 40+ seconds. This is a stunner that is still remarkably youthful at age ten. This has turned out to be one of the superstars of a very impressive vintage.
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Wine Spectator
Wonderful ripeness, focus, purity of flavor and balance, serving up a mix of ripe cherry, currant, plum and blackberry fruit that's supple and elegant, slowly revealing subtle flavor nuances and ending with ripe, integrated tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Home to some of the most sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon in America, Napa Valley’s Oakville district stretches across the center of Napa's valley floor and foothills between the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains. This AVA is home to the legendary To Kalon Vineyard and Martha's Vineyard, as well as many powerhouse wineries including Screaming Eagle, Silver Oak, Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Far Niente and Groth.
The climate is generally warm and agreeable, resulting in year after year of favorable vintages. Summer days see a gentle tug of war between warmer inland air and the cool air coming in from the San Pablo Bay, creating an ideal environment to grow red varieties. Oakville's diverse soils, namely ancient sea bedrock, clay and gravel, are well-drained, and perfect for high-caliber viticulture.
Cabernet here is often bottled varietally but is also popular in Bordeaux Blends. Oakville wines are known for their silky, sensual textures, structured tannins, dark and brooding fruit and lovely aromatics. These age-worthy and prestigious wines are favored by collectors throughout the world.