91 Points, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - Good deep red-ruby. Musky aromas of cassis, licorice, game, tobacco leaf and subtle brown spices. Velvety-sweet and deep, with hints of tobacco leaf, mint and herbs giving definition to the middle palate. Nicely bright but youthfully tight wine, finishing with broad tannins. Carrying a moderate 13.5% alcohol. Still tight, but then this won't be released until next winter. Incidentally, following Silver Oak's purchase of a vineyard in Soda Canyon in 1999, this wine now relies less on contract fruit.

90 Points, Wine & Spirits - Casual elegance defines this California classic. It's an herbal cabernet, with scents of grape skins and black olives rising out of the earthy tannin. Round and smooth in the middle , this ends with a clean and gentle feel. Ready for a rack of lamb.

Tasting Notes
The 2005 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a nuanced wine that illustrates the results of cool, gradual ripening and a deft balance of varietal components. It has a dark garnet color and a complex nose of boysenberry, truffles, wild game, soy, and black pepper. On the palate, the wine has a silky mouthfeel and an elegant, long finish with a slight tannic grip. With proper cellaring it should give drinking pleasure through 2032.

Composition
80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot