Juslyn 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain Estate

More backward, but also revealing the noble sweetness of tannin that is so important for this varietal, the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain Estate exhibits a dense ruby/purple hue as well as sweet aromas of black currants, white chocolate, camphor, and spring flowers. Beautiful purity, ripe tannins, full body, and a 45-second finish result in a dazzling example of Spring Mountain Cabernet. As proprietors Perry and Carolyn Butler move toward virtually all estate fruit from their 42 acres on the slopes of Spring Mountain, the quality of their wines has increased dramatically. Juslyn has been a solid performer for many years, but the most recent vintages exhibit a profound rise in quality, yet prices remain realistic for high end Napa wines. - Robert Parker