2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County
Alcohol 13.5%  |  Total Acidity .56  |  pH: 3.78

Wine Notes [PDF]

TASTING NOTES | Our 2005 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of dark fruit and rich earth. In the mouth the wine is smooth and balanced with a full body and lasting finish. Enjoy this Cabernet with grilled meats, hearty stew or eggplant ragout.
 
VINTAGE | What began as a heartbreakingly difficult growing season with a cold, wet spring and periodic rains throughout the summer, would become one of Sonoma’s most surprising standout vintages. As harvest approached, we knew that a single rainy day could cost us the vintage. But instead of rain, we got a miracle: 30-plus days of perfect Indian summer. What’s more, the grapes continued to gain weight late in the year, which slowed and lengthened the ripening process. This bit of serendipity combined with great weather brought our grapes to optimal ripeness. We picked the last grapes on November 11—the latest ever for us in Sonoma. A truly exceptional harvest, 2005 saw both exquisite quality and superb yields.

WINEMAKING | Grape lots from all five of the Bordeaux varietals – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc – were blended from several benchland and mountain ranches that naturally yield smaller crops and result in intensely colored and flavored wine. In the winery we used a variety of techniques to maximize extraction while managing tannin levels including cold soaking, pump over, and varying fermentation lengths and temperatures. The wine was aged in American oak for 18 months. 

BENZIGER FARMING PRACTICES | At Benziger Family Winery, we are dedicated to winemaking that reveals the true character of the vineyard, the varietal and the vintage in certified-sustainable, -organically grown and-Biodynamic® wines defined by individuality and the passion of the people who make them. Through our commitment to natural farming and environmentally and socially responsible business practices, we strive for sustainability and the preservation of our Sonoma Mountain family winery for generations to come.

This wine was made with grapes grown by sustainable farming methods. Our sustainable philosophy promotes natural vineyard management, restoration of the land and biodiversity on the estate. We believe these practices result in wines that reflect the authentic flavors, aromas and character of the vineyard.