2005 O'Shaughnessy Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain

Bright, deep ruby. Red plum, red cherry, licorice and graphite aromas are lifted by an almost Burgundian floral character; very pure and scented. Suave on entry, then sweet and rich in the middle, conveying a sense of brooding power. Finishes with substantial broad, building tannins and a late note of licorice. Winemaker Sean Capiaux says he experimented with extended maceration but this technique resulted in wines that were too tannic. As a rule, total cuvaison time is now just 14 days.

The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is a beauty, with dark ruby/purple color and a big sweet nose of tobacco leaf intermixed with black currant, black cherry, new saddle leather, and white chocolate. The wine is full-bodied, powerful, with superb purity, texture, and length. It’s approachable now but promises to be better in 3-4 years, and last for at least 15 or more. A I said last year, this relatively new producer is off to a flying start. Winemaker Sean Capiaux (who has his own Pinot Noir operation) seems to be doing some stunning work with this 35-acre vineyard, planted with 29 acres of Cabernet and the rest other Bordeaux varietals. There is also a small cuvee (under 1,000 cases) of Cabernet Sauvignon from Mt. Veeder. Tasting through some barrel samples of 2006 showed this to be a very fine vintage, if not up to the level of 2005 and 2004, at least at this stage in their development. Tel. (707) 965-2898; Fax (707) 965-3010