Adobe Road, Knights Valley, Cabernet Franc 2005 This is perfectly ripe Cab Franc – no veg to smell at all, just lots of berries. The structure of Cab Franc is in the mouth combining with the fruit and filled out by the oak. This is very long and has time to age. Proprietors Kevin & Debra Buckler Cellared and bottled in Sebastopol 15% $29.99 at Bottle Barn Adobe Road
Hauck Cellars, Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Sweet oak greets you in the nose and follows through in the mouth creating a supple, just lightly tannic wine where oak is more the signature than fruit. The grapes are all Cab and the wine is aged in all new oak, both French and American. Proprietors Greg and Jennifer Hauck. Bottled in Healdsburg 14% $35.99 at Bottle Barn Hauck
Williamson Wines, Dry Creek Valley, Meritage, Allure 2005 The grapes behind this wine include all of the big 5: Cab, Cab Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot but Bill won’t disclose the percentages in the final blend. He enjoys keeping some things about his wines a mystery. Here’s a wine to lay down, with plenty of structure and no shortage of fruit. The kiss of oak adds complexity and the acidity drives the length. Proprietors Dawn and Bill Williamson 14.2% $37.99 at Bottle Barn Williamson
