| 2008-05-08 09:47 |
IWC: By Stephen Tanzer
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (Issue #132, May/June 2007)
(Forman Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley) ($75; 75% cabernet sauvignon, with cab franc, petit verdot and merlot) Bright ruby-red. Aromas of black cherry, minerals, violet and licorice, along with a wild hint of meat; rather Pauillac-like today. Suave, juicy and minerally, with lovely delicacy of texture; on the palate, this reminded me of a Margaux. Not at all a blockbuster despite possessing very good breadth and 14.8% alcohol. A very elegantly styled wine that finishes with fine tannins and very good chocolatey length. This displays limited complexity today but the wine's lurking richness suggests it will merit a score at the high end of my range. Forman did a lot of crop reduction in 2005, in particular cutting off the shoulders of the large clusters. (90-92) points |
| 2008-05-08 09:48 |
WA: The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (about 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, with a pretty hefty percentage of Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot) is deep ruby/purple, beautifully Bordeaux-like, but from a ripe year with its notes of charcoal, creme de cassis, cedar, and spice box. There is even a touch of lead pencil shavings in the taste of the wine. It has terrific freshness, medium to full body, and the ability to age well for at least 20-25+ years.
(Release date 4/08)
Previously recommended: 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon (91), 2005 Chardonnay (93).
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