The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon St. Eden is from an 11-acre vineyard on the foothills north of the Oakville crossroad that has the classic red, rocky soil of this area, essentially in the foothills of the Vaca Mountains that define the eastern edges of Napa Valley. This wine, which shows notes of new saddle leather, Christmas fruitcake and spice, is broad and savory, with a classic full-bodied mouthfeel, stunning purity and sensational flavors of wild forest mixed with blackberry and cassis fruit. This blend can be drunk now, or cellared for at least another two decades.

A gorgeous exotic Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2005 St. Eden has aged beautifully. Rose petal, mint, white truffle, smoke and cedar give the wine its captivating aromatic presence and overall intensity. Plush, deep and wonderfully inviting, the 2005 has enough depth to drink well for another 7-10 years.

Smells young and juvenile, a bit raw. Shows briary aromas of wild berries, thyme, cherries and mocha. A chewy wine, tannic and spicy. Hard now, a bit austere, but beautifully structured, with a thick, currant-infused taste. Needs time.

Intense and vibrant, with a tight core of spicy currant, black cherry and wild berry fruit shaded by toasty, creamy oak and ending with a nice focus on the core flavors. To be released spring 2009. Best from 2010 through 2017. 755 cases made.