2005 La Sonrisa del Tecolote Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (1 Magnum)

The Appellation: 100 % Napa Valley-Rutherford District The Vintage: While complicated by heavy rains in the late winter, a mid-march spring heat wave kicked off the growing season in a big way. Rains continued on an off through June with moderate temperatures overall; growers were forced to drop fruit that was affected by botrytis and mildew resulting in somewhat smaller crop yields. Ultimately, the vineyards got the sun and heat that they needed resulting in good quality fruit. The Blend: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon; 15% Merlot 100% Open Top-Punch Down Tank Fermentation 23 months in French & American Oak Cooperage The Wine: Intense deep ruby-purple in color, the 2005 Napa Valley La Sonrisa del Tecolote Cabernet Sauvignon is a richly fruited, well structured follow up to the successful 2004 vintage. A nose of dark fruits, plum and dusty spice leads seamlessly into the lush, well textured mouthfeel. Deep in berry, cedar and baking spice the wine shows ample ripeness without tipping into the over ripe. Hints of vanillin dark chocolate and deeply toasted, caramelized oak saccharides complete the satisfying flavor profile. Full in the mouth with firm yet refined tannins, this wine will drink well over the next 6-10 years. Gold Medal-Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition The Stats: Alc: 14.1% Total Acidity: 5.9 g/l pH: 3.67 Serve with: This wine is a natural with the more flavorful cuts of beef or rare lo