Schrader Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon CCS 2005:
I am ready to dump nearly everything I own from California these days. It seems like there has been some kind of gigantic shift in my tastes over the last year year. Cabernets and Cabernet-based wines are most definitely on the outs and Pinot is next. But, despite my new preferences, the wines of Schrader remain a favorite. Drank this on Friday night and couldn’t have been more pleased. The wine had a beautiful inky purple color and a fragrant nose- violets, smoked meats and chocolate covered cherries for example. Dense, rich and smooth, but packed with flavors that were neither subtle nor over-the-top. Some cedar, red and black fruits, scortched earth, violets and licorice all formed an excellent core. In addition, there were some powerful tannins and fresh, balanced acidity. This is a wine I would love to revisit in fifteen years. For now, however, I doubt I will turn down the opportunity to drink these wines in the future. Schrader is really in a class of its own. 94 points
For us there is no better Cali Cab made. I am so looking forward to November and the delivery of the 07’s.
Cheers…
John,
I have that two bottle set for you to arrive in November sometime.
Nice note here.
Along these lines, the upcoming Zachys LA auction basically is featured around a huge offering directly from Schrader. This type of sale is new for me so I’m not sure what to expect, price wise, as there will be such a glut of this wine offered. If I was on the wait list, which I’m not, I’d be a little annoyed that wines that could have gone to me are instead going on to the open market at prices (likely) higher than Schrader would have charged me. Anyway, should be a fun watch/follow.