2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

(14.7% alcohol): Bright ruby-red. Crushed blueberry, blackberry, spices and bitter chocolate on the nose; comes across as riper than the Cabernet Franc. Densely packed and chewy, with its porty and herbal aspects suggesting a wide range of ripeness. But this boasts plenty of texture and good inner-mouth energy and lift. Finishes with slightly edgy, herb-tinged tannins. Sweeter than the Cabernet Franc but less aromatic.