Staglin Family Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 - 750 ml
Staglin Family Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 - 750 ml
Tasting Notes by Winemaker Fredrik Johansson:
After a cold and wet beginning, the 2005 vintage developed into a wonderfully moderate growing season that had plenty of sun and some decent hot temperatures, but contained no really aggressive heat spikes. This helped the grapes to mature very evenly and deeply with beautifully ripe flavors and rich, round tannins and allowed us to pick the vineyard calmly over several weeks when each block had reached its peak.
This wine jumps from the glass with an animated nose of flowers, black cherries and ripe plums liberally inflected with aromas of cedar shavings, cigar box, wet river rocks and graphite. It cascades across the palate revealing rich layers of black cherries, Crème de cassis and blueberries intermixed with generous hints of black tea and cardamom, leading to a reverberant exit of spiced plums and kola nuts followed by a lengthy mouth coating finish. While drinking well now, it will benefit from and open up more fully with some additional time in bottle and should continue to develop more weight and complexity over the next 10+ years.
Reviews by Wine Experts:
Jon Rimmerman, Garagiste, Seattle, Washington, August 2009
"2005 Staglin Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Estate (Rutherford)– One of the more noble wines from Rutherford I’d tasted in a long time...very Bordelaise, almost Pauillac meets Graves with outstanding aromatics – Napa substance and intensity come singing through on the palate - huge density and an alluring smoky Cabernet wall of fruit – quite impressive/not overdone/very long and balanced, alcohol not obtrusive."
Shea Coulson, Just Grapes Wine Blog, July 31, 2009
"It was certainly a treat to taste this rare Napa Cab from Rutherford with its perfect balance and classic cabernet flavours of cedar, cassis, and black fruits. While many Napa cabs can push the fruit so far forward that finesse is somewhat guillotined, here the fruit is both plush and in balance, and the structure of the mid-palate is very full and delineated, suggesting true aging potential. Thus, while beautiful now, this will become something very special with the proper aging. I've also noticed that Parker gave this 93 and the Wine Spectator 91, and while the wine is certainly deserving of those ratings, I don't think they fully communicate its personality and expression. (Excellent to Excellent+)"
Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, Issue 174, December 28, 2007
"Staglin’s primary red wine is their estate Cabernet Sauvignon, which comes from their beautifully manicured and cared-for vineyards in the hillsides of Rutherford. None other than David Abreu looks after the viticulture, and of course that means yields are frightfully low. The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate has a Bordeaux-like, cedary nose intermixed with black currants, crushed rocks, smoke, and earth. The wine has beautiful texture, lots of layers, depth, richness, and a long finish. The overall impression is one of elegance and restraint, but without sacrificing richness. This wine should evolve nicely for at least two decades. (93 points)"
Food and Beverage International, September 11, 2008
"Thanks to a delightfully temperate growing season, the Staglin Family Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon entices drinkers with a powerful bouquet of currants, plum, and black cherry, mingling with hints of cedar and earth. The exceptionally rich and full-bodied palate offers lush impressions of dark cherry and cassis that drift upon creamy tannins. At its finish, hints of plum and spice are left lingering. While scrumptious now, there is great potential for cellaring, so grab two bottles, and enjoy the best of both worlds."
Monty and Sara Preiser's review from the Rutherford Dust Society Tasting on July 16, 2008
"Our Favorites from the Press Session Regardless of Price: 1. Staglin Family 2005 Estate-- With apologies to everyone else, this entry was in a class by itself. Deep black cherries and plums were evident everywhere, and the smooth tannins allow you to consume it now, but are buff enough to suggest you wait five or six years at least. The finish was spiced with creamy coffee and butterscotch and a last breath of minty eucalyptus."
James Laube, Wine Spectator, October 31, 2008
"Staglin Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford 2005-- Smooth and fleshy, with an appealing mix of spicy red currant, black cherry, plum and light cedary oak, joined by a loamy earthiness. Gains velocity and length, while remaining elegant and supple. Drink now through 2016. (91 points)"
Wine Profile
| Vintage | 2005 |
|---|---|
| Wine Style | Red Wine |
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Appellation | Rutherford, Napa Valley |
| Harvest Date | September 26-October 25 |
| Aging | 22 months in 95% new, 5% used French Oak |
| Alcohol % | 14.8 |
| Size | 750 ml |