2005 Cabernet Sauvignon

In May 2007 I was first introduced to the 2004 Meander Cabernet and my review of the 2004 Meander told of an "up and coming" star named Amy Aiken. I rated the 2004 vintage 94 points and the 2005 vintage is even better.

This past week I have been tasting the new releases from California from the 2005 vintage. To be honest, I was getting worried that some of the new wineries I covered in 2004 had made completely different wines in '05. The wines were closed down with limited aromatics and strong tannins.

Imagine the smile on my face when I tasted the 2005 Meander Cabernet; I had an ear to ear grin. I felt like shouting "Thank You Amy". My initial joy was confirmed later in the evening when I had six friends over for a charity wine dinner. I trust my palette but I also like the feedback I receive from other people who taste a wine at the same time. Tasting groups and wine dinner are always informative because often you need a word to describe a wine and someone else has the perfect word to solidify your thoughts.

The 2005 Meander Cabernet was the hit of the night in a crowded field of 95+ point wines. The Meander Cellars Cabernet has a wonderful nose with elegant Cabernet fruit with a slight sweetness to the finish. This wine is smooth and luscious with perfectly integrated tannins. When 100% of the guests at a wine dinner, all eight of us, picked the Meander the star of the night, I can go to the bank and tell you to buy this wine while you can.

The 2005 Meander Cabernet is not made in the style of recent California "cult-cabs" blockbusters. It is not an over extracted fruit bomb with ample tannins for the holy grail of long term aging. It is a more balanced, elegant work along the lines of a good Araujo Estate Cabernet back in the early 90's. Priced at $65 per bottle, I think that Amy has priced the wine in the sweet spot of small boutique producers without getting ahead of herself.

I would suggest that you cellar the 2005 Meander Cabernet for 2-4 years before starting to eat away at your allocation. The wine drinks wonderfully today but I think the real beauty of the wine will be showcased in a few years and peak at about 5-6 years from now. The structure of the wine suggests that it should be consumed in the next 4-7 years for optimal pleasure.

I've spoken with Amy Aiken who is the winemaker at Meander Cellars and she is very excited about the project and her wonderful fruit sources. I'm excited for her also. She has produced two back to back winners that I have tasted. I rate the 2005 Meander Cabernet Sauvignon 96 points.

Review: Brian Pasch, 4/17/08
www.brianpasch.com

100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Vineyard Sources:
* 50% Morisoli Vineyard in Rutherford
* 50% Lewelling Vineyards in St. Helena

Both of these vineyards have been family farmed for generations and the fruit is highly sought after by those winemakers making hand crafted Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley.

Aged in 100% French Oak, 75% of which is new, for 22 months. Primary coopers are Sylvain, Seguin Moreau and Vicard.

Winemaker tasting notes:
2005 Meander is a powerful wine exhibiting layers of sweet fruit, rich chocolate and hints of minerality with a fleshy, lingering finish. The wine continues to increase in density and the licorice character intensifies as it ages in the bottle.