Harmonie 2005

Description

The Wine Advocate (8/27/15): “I’m always thrilled to be able to taste older releases. The 2005 Harmonie is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Cabernet Franc that was aged in 100% new French oak. It offers classic cassis, lead pencil shavings, bay leaf and tobacco notes in a full-bodied ripe, layered, yet elegant style on the palate. Slightly less concentrated than the 2003, it’s a beautiful Bordeaux blend that’s fresh and lively. Feel free to drink this beauty anytime over the coming decade. Anticipated maturity through 2025.” Our notes: This is the wine I have been trying to make since I first broke ground here. I packaged it using the same special commemorative label I used for the 2003 Harmonie. It’s at least that good although two years younger. Having built up my allocation of Taransaud barrels (following 7 years on the waiting list for the privilege of paying $1000 for barrels), my inventory for the 2005 vintage was 90 Taransauds and to me they are the ultimate cab barrel. The cab sauvignon for this wine (85 percent of the blend) was picked in 5 separate passes spanning two weeks. No cluster was taken unless I deemed it ready. For complexity and bouquet, the best of the best cab franc from our Suicide Hill was blended in and comprises 15 percent of this wine. The oak blows you away, the ripeness and pure fruit concentration are the result of ten years of experience as a grower and 40 years of vision as a wine lover. You can serve this to anybody, anywhere, anytime. Trust me.