Scubarex and I went to a tasting over about 100 wines at a local retailer over the weekend. I concentrated on the California Cabs at the event. The cost was $10. Most of what I tasted was from 2005 but there were about a half dozen Cabs from 2004 as well. Most of what was poured was in the $20 range so nothing special. However, a couple good values were present. Here are my notes on the 2005's:

• 2005 Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley
  A medium to full bodied cab. A chewy texture with firm tanins and notes of currant. 87 points.
  
  
• 2005 Francis Coppola / Niebaum-Coppola Black Label Claret - USA, California
  This was a little more tanninc than the Cabernet. No formal notes. 86 points.
  
  
• 2005 Francis Coppola / Niebaum-Coppola Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Collection Ivory Label - USA, California
  Notes of berries and red fruit. This came off as a simple wine and easy to drink. 85 points.
  
  
• 2005 Benziger Family Winery Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Sonoma County
  This contains 7% Merlot. Solid purple color. Notes of crushed grape skins and currants. This has some grip on the finish. 88 points.
  
  
• 2005 Moon Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Sonoma County
  Purple red coor. This wine had a rather high acid level. At least it tasted that way but it did not detract too much from the wine. Medium bodied with black cherry and leather notes. 87 points.
  
  
• 2005 Sterling Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley - USA, California, Napa Valley
  This was one of the better Cabs at this tasting. A dark reddish black color and opaque. Notes of plum and dark semisweet chocolate. Medium to full bodied and firm tannins. Good deal at $19. 90 points.
  
  
• 2005 Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon Ghost Pines - USA, California, Napa Valley, Chiles Valley
  2nd time I have had this. Much less impressive this time around. 61% Napa and 39% Sonoma fruit. Somewhat bitter red fruit. Medium bodied with a short finish. 84 points.
  
  
• 2005 Don Sebastiani & Sons Cabernet Sauvignon Screw Kappa Napa - USA, California, Napa Valley
  My least favorite Cab at this event. A cheap introductory Cab ($9) and it tasted like it. Overtly fruity and simple without much character. No major flaws though. 81 points.
  
  
• 2005 Milat Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena
  My favorite Cab at this tasting and a very good value at $17. This is estate bottled. Loaded with St. Helena character. A round expressive wine with cherry and meaty notes. Integrated tannins and drinking well. 91 points.
  
  
• 2005 Roots Run Deep Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Educated Guess - USA, California, Napa Valley
  This wine surprised me with its quality and shows how well Napa did in 2005. A creamy nose which carried onto the palate. Medium to full bodied with spice and elderberry notes. 90 points.
  
  
• 2005 Elizabeth Spencer Cabernet Sauvignon Special Cuvée - USA, California, Napa Valley
  This was on par if not slightly better than the 2003 vintage which I had a couple years ago. Notes of black pepper and ripe cherries. 89 points.
  
  
• 2005 Larkmead Vineyards Firebelle - USA, California, Napa Valley
  The most expensive wine at the tasting at $40. A blend of 48% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cab Franc and 3% Petite Verdot. Integrated and smooth with solid red and black fruit. 90 points.
  
  
• 2005 Trinchero Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, North Coast, Lake County (5/13/2008)
  The fruit is sourced from Lake Co. (57%), Monterrey (36%) and Santa Barbara (7%). Dark color but light bodied. Simple and grapey tasting. 80 points.

VM

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Vino Me,

I love Elizabeth Spencers wines. Thanks for the note on the cab. I sell their SB and Syrah at the store.

IW

Glad to see you thought highly of the Milat. I stopped by there about 2 years ago and thought they had some good wines. I have a few stored away from that visit. Very nice people there, too.

The Milats' are great people. The wines are fun and reasonably priced. The Chenin Blanc is a great summer white. They are truly the some of last the sit on great land and don't kill you on the price. They have some rooms on their property if you like a room rustic get away. Have stayed there numerous times. The location is fabulous.

Was there any food?

Didn't I see you at this event Maverick?

VM

I was way too busy.

I LOVE Milat Cab. I visited there a month ago. Wonderful people, great wines. Unfortunately, their 2005 will be running out soon, and their cabernet crop was not good in 2006. Probably won't see retail.

I left with their Chenin when I was out there as well. Very ripe.

The quality of the Milat CS must have improved over time. The last time we tasted it (we stayed on the property and received a free tasting) it was mediocre at best. I believe that was right around the 2001 vintage.

Mav,

There was food there. Former board member Francis cooked for this event. The food was set up in the back kitchen. It was a very tasty spread (lamb meatballs in pita, a salmon mousse thing and a prosciuto/cherry appetizer to name a few).

VM