| Many CEO's, dot-commers, investment bankers, | | | | tannins that are long and fine. An opulent |
| entertainment individualists and average | | | | Cabernet Sauvignon with powerful structure and |
| Americans have toyed with the idea of changing | | | | intensity that underscores why this varietal is one |
| their lives and buying a small chateau or winery | | | | of the major pursuits at Etude. |
| where they'll live happily ever after. | | | | 2. 2005 Cliff Lede 'Stags Leap District' Cabernet |
| It's not just a fantasy; life among the vineyards is | | | | Sauvignon |
| really beautiful. In November the array of | | | | Pronounced notes of vibrant cassis, violets, sabra, |
| autumn's deep colors and gnarled vineyards can | | | | and black cherry coulis. In the palate a melange of |
| provoke passion in wine lovers. | | | | flavors outlined by red currant, hazelnut, and blood |
| Napa Valley vineyards grow in perfect settings, on | | | | plum fill the mouth in a procession of tight and |
| rolling hills or in pleasant valleys. Grapes so recently | | | | gently-integrated tannins with just a hint of cacao |
| hanging among the vines have found their way | | | | nibs. This brooding and exorbitant Cabernet |
| into fermentation tanks and small oak barrels. | | | | displays the complexity, the finesse, and the |
| Soon enough these initial wines will make mouths | | | | elegance reflective of the Stags Leap Appellation. |
| water and palates tingle in appreciation. | | | | 3. 2005 Jaffe Estate Transformation |
| The following list highlights three wines that are | | | | Fans of the storied Napa vintages of the late 20th |
| perfect for the autumn season and can also be | | | | century will notice in Transformation the skillful |
| enjoyed year-round: | | | | balance supposedly lost to California wines after |
| 1. 2004 Etude 'Napa' Cabernet Sauvignon | | | | the turn of the millennium. This wine entices with |
| Heady pure fruit aromas of dark red fruit, black | | | | aromas of raspberries, violets and black currants. |
| plum, black cherry and mocha leap from the glass | | | | The palate is velvet from entry to finish, with red |
| of this classic Cabernet Sauvignon and lead into | | | | currant, raspberry, blackberry, subtle flavors of |
| layers of warm baking spices and anise. The | | | | allspice and notes of earth and smoke appearing |
| palate is full of rich fruit supported by supple | | | | by turns. |