Arrowood Réserve Spéciale Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

The brilliant 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Speciale 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 24 months in French oak and bottled unfined and unfiltered tastes like a Sonoma version of a Bordeaux Pauillac. Aromas of cedar, licorice, chocolate, and creme de cassis as well as a hint of toast jump from the glass of this full-bodied, concentrated, fleshy wine. It possesses a French-like structure, but Northern California's enticingly pure, ripe fruit is on vivid display. This wine can be approached now because of the sweetness of the tannins and its terrific equilibrium, but it will age effortlessly for 15-20 years. Score - 92+. (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Dec. 2008)