This vineyard, high above the Rutherford AVA, on the gorgeous hillside not far from the famed restaurant and hotel Auberge du Soleil, has produced a winner in my retrospective of 2005s. This is clearly a great terroir, and that comes through in this savory, broad, expansive, pure 2005 Proprietary Red from Sloan. Offering black raspberry and blackcurrant fruit, silky tannins, notes of forest floor and spice box, and loamy soil undertones, the wine is dense, full-bodied, opulent, and just entering its plateau of maturity, where it should keep for another 15-20 years. This was one of the stunners in the great line-up that I tasted of 10-year-old North Coast Cabernet Sauvignons.
Robert Parker | 97 RP
A bold, rich and ripe style, with black cherry, plum and wild berry fruit and a cedary graphite edge. Plush, concentrated and full-bodied, coating the palate, yet for all its size and chewiness this remains elegant, balanced and supported by firm tannins, showing a trace of heat on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2010 through 2016. 500 cases made.
Wine Spectator | 94 WS
(14.8% alcohol): Saturated dark red-ruby. Deep aromas of black raspberry, licorice, flowers and peppermint, plus a root beer oak note. Impressively thick in the mouth, with very sweet flavors of dark berry liqueur, chocolate and tobacco carrying a full load of oak. Very large-scaled for Sloan, with a sweetness that’s even more apparent today than it was on release. But undeniably dense and plush, finishing with huge but ripe tannins.
Vinous Media | 93 VM
Wonderful aromas of cedar, cigar box, currants, and dark berries. Nice notes of cappuccino, that open up to mint and flowers. Full bodied, with velvety tannins and fresh acidity. This is spicy and juicy, with generous fruit but held back. An exciting wine with a warm and juicy finish, and hints of tar.
James Suckling | 92 JS
