Hello A-List Friends,                                                                            

One of the highlights from this trip was meeting Mike Harris at his beautiful property in Calistoga -- Harris Estate is made by the mighty Mark Herold (Merus, Bucella, Hestan & Kobalt, all with big press). I am pleased to have the two new releases on my A-List.

Mike does not buy any fruit and does not sell any fruit; he is simply focused on making the best Cabernets possible that reflect his three vineyards (not every other Napa Cab). Mike’s third single vineyard Treva Cabernet will be out in the Fall.

Mike was patient with me and gave us plenty of time to taste each Cabernet individually, side by side, and with barrel samples of his 2006 Cabernets. Even after tasting these several times, I had a hard time picking a favorite.

Shoot me email at tanya@winestreet.com or give me a call at 760-431-8455 or toll free at 877-653-2162 and let me know if you would me to put your name on a couple of bottles if still available.  

Also, if you are not already on my A - List and wish to be, email me at the link just above.  Cheers, Tanya

Harris Esate

Napa Valley

Harris Estate Jake’s Creek Vineyard 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon $110 – This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is dense yet layered with generous blackberry and black currant fruit, espresso, damp earth, and well integrated French Oak. This is full-bodied, well concentrated, shows a firm, yet round structure, notable complexity, and a long, long finish with core of black fruit and a hint of minerality. This is truly well made wine with crowd appeal – Thank you again, Mark Herold!   This is enjoyable as a youthful Cabernet now with at least an hour in the decanter, however this will be even better within 3-5 years, and will age for 12-15 years. This has received a solid 91-93 Points from Robert Parker.   Only 275 cases made.

Harris Estate Lakeview Vineyard 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon $110 -- Big and powerfully constructed, this full-bodied 100% Cabernet Sauvignon showed expansive flavors including currants, black plum, and black cherries, with cocoa, nutmeg and spice. This spicy fruit comes from the chalky soils and allows this Cabernet to hold up to spicy food like a curry sauce or even a seared ahi with black pepper (that’s what I had it with at lunch). This shows a solid mid-palate, savory tannins, and an intense long finish. This too will drink well early in life, and will evolve for 10-15 years. The Lakeview Vineyard over looks a small beautiful lake that Jake, the big, cute Black Labrador of Mike and Treva, happily jumped into.   Robert Parker calls this “sensual, and the sexiest” with a fine 94 Points.  Only 315 cases made.

My recommendation is that you pick up a couple of bottles of each so that you can enjoy these side by side too, with friends, or at a special dinner party.

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