Winemaker Notes
94 Points
"The 2005 Wurtele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is made from two distinct and designated blocks (I & J) on the top of the Wurtele Vineyard. The grapes were harvested in early to mid-October. The clusters were hand sorted followed by additional sorting of the must. Fermentation and extended maceration occurred over a 22-day period. Free run was kept separate from press juice and put into French oak barrels, 45% new and 55% once used. The wine was aged for 22 months and bottled unfined and unfiltered.
94"A gorgeous Cab, rich and complex, that perfectly shows the deep, strong tannins and impeccable structure of Spring Mountain, and Mayacamas Cabs in general. Perfectly ripe in black currants and tobacco, with exotic cedar and mineral overtones, it's beautiful now despite the tannins, but has the balanced stuffing to age effortlessly for a decade."
Wine Enthusiast
Professional Ratings
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.