Yet another big and brawny young Cabernet that shows far more swagger than it does finesse, this very ripe and abundantly tannic effort falls all over itself just now, but it is so rich and so deep in extracted fruit that we cannot but be duly impressed. Its bluster is sure to draw frowns from anti-ripeness crusaders, but patient fans of heady red wines will find lots to like a half dozen years hence.

The brilliant 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Vintner's Select boasts copious aromas of lead pencil shavings, spring flowers, blueberries, black raspberries, and cassis. Full-bodied and powerful, this dense ruby/purple tinged offering is a tour de force in Cabernet Sauvignon. It possesses enough sweet tannin to provide early accessibility, but it should age beautifully for 10-15+ years.

Big, powerful and high in alcohol. The grapes evidently got super-ripe, giving the wine massive blackberry and chocolate-covered raisin flavors that have been liberally enhanced with smoky new oak. Tannins are pretty tight, coming from Pride’s 2100 foot elevation spanning the Napa-Sonoma border. A little awkward now. Give it a few years.

Smooth, rich and creamy, with firm yet elegant dried currant and blackberry flavors that are focused and lively, gaining complexity and depth on the long finish. Drink now through 2012. 400 cases made.

Medium to medium-dark ruby color; attractive, initially subdued, very ripe, cedary, tarrish, slightly jammy, dark currant and black cherry fruit aroma with good depth and intensity; full body; rich, textured, layered, cedary, highly extracted, very ripe black cherry fruit flavors with notes of coffee and tobacco and some alcoholic heat on the finish; full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Appealing to taste now as it developed with airing in the glass. Shows a lot of toasty oak and very rich fruit. Very highly recommended.

Good saturated ruby-red color. Black raspberry, mocha and espresso aromas. Sweet and lively on the palate, with the vintage's bright acidity framing and intensifying the flavors of black fruits, licorice and minerals. This medium-bodied, brooding wine will need time in bottle to harmonize and expand. Finishes with serious toothcoating tannins and excellent length. One to follow.