Jonathan Newman:  "I have now tasted the previous five vintages of Crauford Cabernet and the 2005 is their best effort yet. While the 2004 was certainly a benchmark vintage for this boutique Napa producer, this new release of single vineyard mountain fruit has great depth and complexity and is certainly worthy. On the nose, there is fresh black currants, rich oak and mocha flavors. The wine has a pleasant mouth feel with well integrated tannins, blackberry, licorice, and cassis with a nice long finish. It will pair perfectly with lamb, game meats flavorful steaks or dark chocolate. The wine drinks beautifully now but can be enjoyed through 2016. Tasted on January 6, 2009 and March 9, 2009 with consistent tasting notes." Learn more about Jonathan Newman.

Winemaker:  The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon has very nice aromas of dark red berry fruits and nicely integrated aromas of sweet toasty oak and vanilla.  The wine is very well balanced and should continue to drink well for several more years.  Barrel aged for 24 months, and held in bottle for 18 months prior to release, this wine should be drinking well now through 2016. 

Wired For Wine:  Hearty meats will pair best with this delicious Cabernet Sauvignon.  Beef, lamb, steak and game are just the ticket.  We suggest roasting a rack of lamb which has been drizzled with olive oil and sea salt.  Next to that, some rice tossed with lentils and torn fresh mint leaves, and eggplant your favorite way.  Or, we love a thick New York strip too.  Mix some coarsely cracked black pepper with sea salt and press it onto both sides of the steak and grill to perfection.  When you make the creamy mashed potatoes to go with it, heat the milk or cream with a sprig or two of fresh rosemary in the pan; it will result in the most wonderfully subtle flavoring.  Hang on; we're not done yet.  Make sure you get enough of the Crauford so that there will be a glass to go with the dark chocolate mousse for dessert...  When do we eat?

Size:  750 ml
Varietal:  100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Barrel aging:  24 months
Alcohol: 14.5%
Vintage:  2005
Region:  Napa Valley, California
Production:  2,800 dozen