A big wine, a full, spicy mouthful of black fruit – blackcurrant and blackberry – and loads of spice – black pepper, white pepper, eucalyptus and toasted maple. Wood treatment is obvious, but the fruit is big enough to balance it out. Tannins are powerful but smooth, showing years of remaining cellar life. Drink with a porterhouse, with the filet side early, and the strip side after it gets some air. Highly Recommended. 90.
WHO: Deerfield Ranch Winery
WHAT: 75% Cabernet sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet franc
WHERE: Sonoma County, California
WHEN: 2005
HOW MUCH: $30
