Robert Parker—The Wine Advocate
2005 Merlot Walla Walla Valley 549 cases produced
The 2005 Merlot was sourced from two vineyards and aged for 18 months in French, American, and Eastern European oak. Purple-colored, it has a stylish bouquet of cedar, earth notes, red currants, black currants, and spice box. Supple and smooth in the mouth, it has great concentration, layers of fruit, and excellent length. Give it 2-3 years and drink it from 2010 to 2018.
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley 433 cases produced
The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon contains 5% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. It was aged for 19 months in 48% new oak. It has expressive aromatics of pain grille, vanilla, espresso, red currants, and black currants. Smooth-textured, the wine has excellent depth and concentration, savory flavors and enough structure to evolve for 2-3 years. Drink it from 2010 to 2018.
2005 Syrah Walla Walla Valley 420 cases produced
The 2005 Syrah comes entirely from the Pepper Bridge Vineyard. It was aged for 16 months in French and American oak, 20% new. Purple-colored, it emits scents of cedar, spice box, smoked meat, bacon, and blueberry. It offers excellent concentration, ripe fruit, savory flavors, and outstanding depth. It will evolve for 1-2 years and can be enjoyed through 2017.
2005 Reserve Walla Walla Valley 225 cases produced
The 2005 Reserve is composed of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Malbec. The wine spent 19 months in 11% new French and Eastern European oak. This aromatic, seamless, easygoing blend has excellent balance, gobs of fruit, and a forward personality. Drink it through 2017.
2005 Merlot, Pepper Bridge Vineyard Walla Walla Valley 125 cases produced
The 2005 Merlot Pepper Bridge Vineyard spent 18 months in 30% new barrels. It reveals an alluring perfume of cedar, leather, pencil lead, black currant, and plum. It is a bit richer and more mouth-filling than the Walla Walla Valley Merlot. Concentrated and well-endowed, it will evolve for 3-4 years and be at its best from 2012 to 2020.
2005 Treaty Walla Walla Valley 180 cases produced
The 2005 Treaty is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc aged for 19 months in 50% new French and American oak. Opaque purple-colored, it delivers scents of pain grille, earth notes, spice box, black cherry, plum, and blueberry. Supple and smooth-textured, it has layers of fruit, spicy flavors, and enough structure to evolve for 3-4 years. Drink this fine effort from 2012 to 2020.