2005 Conn Creek Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon $19

The majority of the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are sourced from Conn Creek’s Collins Vineyard in Napa, with grapes from 8 other Napa sub regions rounding out the mix. 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 4% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot. The wine is aged for 26 months in 40% new and 60% 1 year old French oak Barrels. Alcohol content is 14.8%. 30,000 cases produced.

Dark burgundy red in color. The nose is more vegetable than fruit, green pepper dominates, and then flowers along with oak. This is no fruit forward wine, blackberry, figs, prunes with cocoa powder and oak spice. The tannins and the oak are evident but not out of balance. A lengthy tart berry finish.

A dark brooding wine, European in style, not the fruit driven Cabernet’s you usually see in this price range. A well made wine with quality Napa fruit, that is a change of pace from the usual wine available for under $20.