California has returned to the front page
scene in a big way this month with an
outstanding Cabernet bargain that confirms
the greatness of the Golden State’s 2005
vintage. As most already know, 2005 is the
finest “world vintage” since 1990. Virtually
every winemaking country and region has
produced superb wine in 2005 including the
up-and-coming Paso Robles district. We’ve
watched this locale evolve over the past
decade or so and have been unduly impressed
with the progress made. Every year, wines
emerging from Paso show increased complexity
and refinement as our neighbors to the north
understand more clearly their terroir,
varietals and microclimates. Five Rivers
provides ample evidence!
The wine leads off with a
perfumed nose redolent of sundry cherry and
black cherry fruit reiterated to the palate
in conjunction with crowd pleasing streams
of sundry plum, red raspberry, mixed currant
and boysenberry fruit. Nuances of cardamom,
allspice and blueberry provide additional
complexity to this classic Paso production
that finishes with spice inflected notes of
wild berry and tea leaf. The wine is a
textural delight in providing silky, lush
fruit to the imbiber that can’t help but
bring one back for more! With the warm
weather/BBQ season either upon us or just
around the corner, you’ll find this
wonderfully wrought Cab perfectly up to
snuff for all of your outdoor cooking and
entertaining needs! |
