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2005 Meander Cabernet Review
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.
Some of the 2004 superstars producers to confuse my palate with their new
releases this week were the
2005 Maybach Materium
as well as the 2005 Buccella
Cabernet.
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.
The supplies of the 2005 Meander Cellars Cabernet are limited. You can read the
2005 Meander Data
Sheet using this link. Here is a summary of the 2005 vintage:
Production: 500 cases - 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.
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.
If you would like to get on the
Meander Cellars mailing list and a shot at their
wines, complete the form below and I will make an introduction for you with Amy.
Brian Pasch - April 19, 2008
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Amy Aiken
Meander Cellars
ph 707-963-3773
fax 707-963-3883
www.meanderwines.com
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