Easter-Worthy Young Gun 2005 Cab Blend from Napa

Varietal: Blend of: 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 20% Sangiovese, 7% Petite Sirah
Country/Region/Appellation/Vineyard: California, Napa Valley (Rutherford, Oakville, Oak Knoll, Pope Valley, Cappelle Valley)
Vintage: 2005 (bottled July 2007)
Producer: B Cellars
Alcohol Content: 14.8% (60 TA, 3.63 pH)
Price: $32.50
Bought where: Wine.Woot

Wine was drunk straight out of a basement cellar. It was considerably cooler than room temperature. At first it smelled young and tasted very closed, but after a few minutes in the glass opened up.

- Clear appearance and less than deep ruby intensity. Wine should be decanted as sediment is abundant and quite chunky. It was advertised as unfined and unfiltered.
- Clean nose. Medium minus intensity shows vibrant black fruit. Wine is still developing, as can be judged from the prolonged development in the glass. Hints of red fruit (red cherries) quickly become black cherries and then black currants, both of which linger. Aromas of coffee become discernible after 30 minutes in the glass. Although there are allusions to other smells the rest of the bouquet is inaccessible, which only the age can reveal.
- The palate is off dry. The acidity registers at medium plus and outlives the slightly astringent but pleasant tannins. At very high 14.8% the alcohol doesn't strike out, which is the direct consequence of the incredible balance achieved between acidity and tannins. The medium minus feel of the body is OK, but the flavor intensity, or lack thereof, makes me picture a pianist incessantly pressing and amplifying the same chord. This wine is too young, and the many layers of personality it is to acquire are not there yet. I taste black fruit and something else, which is as specific as I can get. The lack of elemental common characteristics with the nose is its second proof of immaturity. Predictably the length is short plus, with a medium strength attack and an astringent-acidity finish.
- To repeat my conclusion: it is underage. What's more certain is that in 5-8 years this ugly duckling will become a swan. Very good quality.