Growing Conditions
The 2005 vintage saw winter rains leading into a dry, mild March. Rains late into the growing season delayed bloom and set in the vineyards. A cool summer with few heat spikes followed by a warm September and October delivered nearly perfect conditions. Harvest was later than usual, providing extended hang time that resulted in excellent sugar development and balanced acids in a larger than average crop. The grapes for the 2005 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon were handpicked between October 12th and November 17th.
Winemaking
With Cabernet of this quality, the winemaking team believes in taking a minimalist approach to winemaking. Vinifying the fruit from each vineyard separately, Ed and Laurie used tailored pump-over techniques for optimal extraction, and then aged the wines in hand-selected, custom-toasted barrels of new French Nevers oak. They then aged the lots separately for just under two years before selecting the blend – one of exceptional depth, complexity and elegance. The final blend has aromas of Bing cherries, cocoa, cedar, allspice and mint. Generous cherry, blackberry and plum flavors are complemented by velvety tannins, resulting in a superbly long and elegant finish.
