2005 Frostwatch Cabernet Sauvignon

Opened at 5pm Wednesday. My advice? Don't drink on Wednesday.

This is full, unresolved in the least and reticent beyond reason.Open it and wait 24 hours, Thursday. BAMM. Bobs your uncle and Fannys your aunt.

Its rich and full. Deep dark black color. The nose is all blackberries and cassis. Wow. Its pure and clean. Great mouthfeel and structure with some nice soy notes, tar and leather. This is softly sweet and generous with nice balance. Great acid carried this one forward effortlessly. A nice super long and pure cab finish. If I had more I would not touch until the Republicans are back in control. I really like this wine. Can you tell?

92/100

A Ray Ormand find.

http://www.frostwatch.com/

2005 Shafer Vineyards One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon

This was a shock. After a dismal '04 I was half expecting the same wall of oak. Not today.
Ultra dark with crimson edges. The nose was all black currant and cherry cola. The palate exposed some amazing deep plush dark fruits of blackberry, currant, ans black cherry. There was a tiny sign of oak, but the whole package carried it well. Evident was some smokey vanilla beans. Some light cocoa and coffee beans. This was long and full and never let up. Finesseful and elegant with strength and body. Wow. The finish went on beyond 60. A very pleasing cabernet indeed, with a long life ahead. Need to decant a minimum of an hour, vigorous if able. 94/100

1991 Guenoc Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Beckstoffer IV (USA, California, Napa Valley)

The nose has sweet cherries and red cassis. The color is still lively. The palate had an elegant sweet red profile. There are the red Bing cherries, the red currant, some not so ripe red raspberries, low sodium soy and worn leather. Very nice. This is still alive and vibrant with nary a sign of age. Harkens back to another time in Cali winemaking. The only signs of age are the very subdued fruits and the totally resolved tannins. There is still quite a decent acid level that keeps this moving forward. A decent finish makes this a real winner. (91/100)