2005 Ghost Block Cabernet Wine Review
Tonight I opened a bottle of 2005 Ghost Block Oakville Cabernet.
This is the second time this month I have tasted the new vintage of Ghostblock
Cabernet. If you have been reading my reviews since last year, you will
know that the 2004 Ghost Block Cabernet
received high scores. The 2005 is far from being a twin of the 2004 vintage.
Both times I tasted the 2005 Ghost Block I was taken back by the strong
tannins that I experienced on the finish. The wine created a mouth sucking
dryness that caused great concern. I'm not sure why the winemaking style
has changed so drastically from the 2004 vintage but at the same time last year,
the 2004 was a joy to drink.
The 2005 Ghost Block starts off with great fruit on the nose and in the mouth
but finishes with searing tannins. The first time I tasted the wine I did
not want to believe the wine had such strong tannins, So, I waited
another week and tasted the wine again with some friends. Everyone at the
dinner table agreed that the 2005 Ghost Block was overly tannic.
I'm not sure how this wine will age since the fruit hints at something
special but the tannins are punishing. The wine seems to be out of balance
at this stage in its lifecycle. I'm concerned. This is not the
elegant Cabernet that was revealed in 2004.
I've had the opportunity to taste the best of California Cabernet wines from
the 90's onward and these tannins are at the high side of anything that has
later resolved into something special. I would advise readers to sample a
bottle of the 2005 Ghost Block before buying any quantities. If you already
purchased the 2005 Ghostblock Cabernet, don't open a bottle for at least 3-5
years.
This project is still very exciting and I advise readers to get on their
mailing list. Use the form below to get a VIP introduction to Cult Wine
Central and the Ghost Block mailing list.
Brian Pasch - April 25, 2008
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Ghost Block Winery
2005 Oakville Cabernet
Contact :
Napa Valley Wine Company
www.cultwinecentral.com
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