2005 Corley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
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Print: Tasting Notes
Tasting Notes: Aromatics of juicy red fruits, toasty sweet oak and hints of vanilla. Flavors as expected follow similarly mostly noted is rich berry pie as the wine opens up – it’s our ‘everlasting gobstopper’ for the vintage. This wine once again shows nice consistency and balance throughout the entire experience – from the aromatics through to the finish. The mouth-feel is rich in texture and the finish sails on framed by firm but velvety tannins, one of the hallmarks from this long, cool vintage. This wine is drinking very well now, and should continue to develop and be enjoyed in the decade to come.
– Chris Corley, Winemaker
2005 was a long, cool growing season. We were very pleased to achieve nice levels of ripeness and flavor development without the accompanying rise in brix. This allowed us to make wines which are rich in flavor, aroma and texture without too high a level of alcohol. The grapes retained a little more of their natural acidity than they would in a shorter, hotter growing season. As a result, the wines are a little brighter and express a fruit profile that is a little more vibrant than jammy. These differences in personalities across vintages are what makes winegrowing such an exciting lifelong endeavor.
Varietals and Vineyards
Cabernet Sauvignon (90%)
State Lane Vineyard – Yountville, Napa Valley
This Cabernet Sauvignon shows a great core of deep, dark black fruits with big, rich, chewy tannins - Blockbuster Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.
Yewell Vineyard on Ehlers Lane – St Helena, Napa Valley
The Cabernet Sauvignon from this vineyard is of great depth, character, and intensity and gives to our wine deep black-fruit character and rich texture.
Tietjen Vineyard on Niebaum Lane – Rutherford, Napa Valley
The Cabernet Sauvignon from this vineyard is classic Rutherford, elegance in a glass.
Cabernet Franc (5%) Knollwood Vineyard – Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley
Our Cabernet Franc vineyards are planted to Clone ‘X’, #312, #327 and #332 and bring red fruit and medium-bodied structure to the wine.
Merlot (5%) Knollwood Vineyard – Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley
Our Merlot vineyards are planted to Clones #181 and #314 on #3309 and #420A rootstock. The grapes are lush and power packed with intense berry flavors and an abundance of bright fruit.