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!
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
97 Points
Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and crushed rock, along with cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and a medley of dry herbs and spice.
A substantial mouthfeel, full-bodied structure, firm tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit. Well-balanced acidity collaborate harmoniously to accentuate the intricate flavors of berry compote, spices, and oak nuances reminiscent of mocha.
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.
97 Points
Lush and fleshy, with cassis, boysenberry, and blackberry notes guided by hints of alder and mesquite. Stays open but defined through the finish, with a buried hint of sweet tobacco. A rich, layered beast, this has a nose rife with currants, blackberries, vanilla, and light toast with flavors of mocha, plum, and Bing cherry that mingle harmoniously on the tongue.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
98 Points
Deep purple hue and an alluring aromatic profile of fresh blue fruits and delicate violets. On the palate, it delivers a seamless and layered texture, framed by supple, polished tannins and a refined sense of balance. Elegantly structured, it offers remarkable purity and finesse, finishing with graceful length and poise.
