Cain Five, Napa Valley,

A blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 6% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot, and 5% Cabernet Franc from the Cain Five vineyard, 2000ft up Spring Mountain. As one would expect this is initially a little more reticent than the Cain Concept. With air notes of gently spiced vanilla pod, cassis, sweet tobacco and bay leaf emerge. As more air gets to the wine the aromas seem to freshen and focus, with redcurrant and bright black berries to the fore. On the palate the immediate impression is one of finesse and fine boned structure. A true mineral element underpins the still young flavours of briar, wild strawberry and cassis. There is more intensity and complexity here than the Concept, but also more deftness and finesse. Long, lithe and supple. A wine that calls you back time and again. Delicious!