B Cellars is a relatively new label making wine from some of the finest vineyards in the Napa Valley. While they are producing a range of single-varietal wines, their main focus is on blending to create unique, intriguing wines. Today we are pleased to be offering the 2005 Blend 25, made from 61% cabernet sauvignon and 39% syrah, sourced from such famed vineyards as Stagecoach and To Kalon. While these grapes are not traditionally blended together in Europe, they make a beautiful pairing, with the syrah bringing added color and lushness to the already structured cabernet.
Inky purple in color, you can tell just by looking at it that the Blend 25 is going to be a big wine. The nose opens with a hint of blueberry, and is dominated vanilla, caramel, and briary spice. The palate brings gobs of blackberry and black cherry, with floral notes, anise, and exotic spice. There is great complexity derived from layers of fruit and spice that go on and on through the finish.
The Blend 25 is a bit of a paradox; it is full, super dark, and brooding, but without being heavy. It is lush, full and fruit driven, yet is not at all cloying thanks to good structure and smooth tannin. This will definitely be a favorite for fans of full-throttle, ripe New World wine, but at the same time has the depth and complexity to work for people that usually prefer more restrained, Old World wines. It can definitely be enjoyed on its own, and would pair well with the usual suspects for big red wine: grilled meat, hearty stews, and so on. Wine from vineyards of this renown is seldom priced under $75; at under $40 this is an opportunity not to be missed!
93 Points
A beautiful garnet color in the glass. Aromas of pomegranate, vibrant cranberry, candied strawberry, gravel, and rose perfume lead to a palate of cinnamon, clove, tea leaf, bing cherry, a touch of earth, and an opulent, fleshy texture.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
94 Points
Aromas of candied apple, lemon peel, and toasted marcona almond. The palate is rich yet finely balanced, offering a creamy texture lifted by bright acidity. Delicate and composed, it finishes with a gentle mineral snap and lingering citrus.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
