90 points - Wine Enthusiast
The 2005 Owl Ridge Brigden Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is deep garnet in color, with just a hint of bricking at the rim. Interestingly, in both appearance and on the nose, the 2005 seems a little bit more mature than the 2004 we tasted earlier in the year, which just means that the 2005 is ready to go now, and doesn’t need to be cellared to bring out Cabernet’s beautiful leather and tobacco notes. Speaking of which, the nose is loaded with leather and tobacco, along with black cherry, brambly blackberry, and dark chocolate. The palate shows cherry, mint, cassis, plum, and more leather, with silky smooth tannin and wonderful acidity. This is a great example of a mature California Cab that has plenty of ripeness yet remains balanced. Enjoy this one over the next couple of years and take advantage of the fact that Owl Ridge has perfectly cellared it for you!
Vineyard, Vineyard & Winemaking Notes:
2005 vintage was characterized by a cool long growing season marked with maximum temperatures in the mid-80’s. The Brigden vineyard had a very nice crop set, but due to the cool temperatures it was clear that the fruit would not ripen in the quantities that the vines carried. While it was distressing to reduce the fruit load, the vineyard owner, Michael Brigden, agreed to drop half the fruit in the vineyard and reduce the clusters to one for every shoot position. This had the intended effect of allowing the remainder of the fruit to develop intense flavors.
The fruit was harvested on October 23. It was destemmed, crushed and placed into a closed top tank for three days of chilling. At that point it was inoculated with yeast. The wine fermented for 10 days at moderate temperatures and was left on the skins after fermentation for 16 days of extended maceration. This resulted in added richness and mouth feel, while preserving the intense aromatics that have characterized previous vintages. The wine was gently pressed just before Thanksgiving, settled in tank overnight and put to barrel, where it aged for nearly two years. All French oak was used - approximately 40% new.
Vintage: 2005
Vineyard: Brigden Vineyard
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Sonoma County
Alcohol: 14.4%
Production: 256 cases
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.
92 Points
Inviting aromas of ripe cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate. The palate unfolds with layered flavors of black cherry, raspberry cordial, vanilla bean and spice, where focused tannins envelop, leading to a rich red fruit finish with blue fruit undertones.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
Exceptional!
Reddish-purple in color with aromas of blackberry, plum, pomegranate, herbs de Provence, and licorice. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry, cassis, and licorice that carries through, with notes of black pepper, mocha and chocolate. Very long, spicy, with a fruit-driven finish. Great aging potential.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
