Chalk Hill Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

BN#262628

At Chalk Hill, Cabernet Sauvignon wine growing is a composition of diverse microclimates, distinct clones, hillside terrains and sunny exposures. This wine lends aromas of cassis, autumn leaves, graphite and mocha which prelude a palate laced with bramble berries, earth, roasted espresso beans, tar and black spices. Its youthful yet integrated tannin structure makes this wine worthy of aging for 5 to 10 years.

Wine Enthusiast

Continues Chalk Hill’s great track record of 90-plus Cabs, although this may be the most ageworthy in recent memory. You don’t want to pop the cork until at least 2011, because the tannins put it into lockdown mode. But there’s a great, deep heart of black currants longing to blossom.

Score: 93. —Steve Heimoff, June 01, 2009.

Wine Spectator

Rich, powerful and full-bodied, this is marked by thick Syrah-like road tar, graphite, dried currant, sage and herbal flavors that are concentrated and reflective of a cool climate for Cabernet. Drink now through 2016. 7,132 cases made.

Score: 90. —James Laube, 2009.