Food & Wine:  "The oldest names in Napa produce some of its greatest Cabernet Sauvignons.  The Trefethen family has been farming several hundred acres in the cool Oak Knoll District north of the city of Napa since 1968. Its broad range of wines, among them this spicy, dark-fruited Cabernet, are sourced entirely from estate grapes.  ($50)"

Wine-Smith:  "There's a nice floral perfume to the black fruits and minerals. Focused, rich and pure with black fruit flavors, cassis, leather, tobacco, firm minerals and toasty oak. Finishes very long and rich with great balance and depth. Classic Napa Cabernet, and a great food wine. One of the best Napa Cab's for the price that I've tasted. 92 points."

Winery:  "Deep ruby in color, this complex Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits luxurious nose of blackberry, black cherry, plum, black currant, black pepper, cola nut, and chocolate with a hint of black pepper and olive. The tannins are ripe and velvety, leading to a richly textured palate. The wine�s fresh, rich raspberry jam, blackberry, currant, and chocolate ?avors lead to a long persistent ?nish of cherry and toasted oak vanilla.

Wired For Wine:  The Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon from Trefethen would win "most popular with food" if this were a high school yearbook.  Trefethen has never purchased outside grapes for this wine, which has allowed them to craft a final product with terrific balance and depth; it is a natural with hearty red meats, game and game birds.  We suggest a Provencal beef stew with mushrooms and thyme.  The Trefethen is lovely next to earthy, herbal ingredients.  Lamb steaks with Greek-inspired tomato chutney is fantastic too.  Or, simple, roast quail with braised escarole and creamy mashed potatoes on the side.  The gentle bitterness of the escarole is a perfect pairing for those ripe, velvety tannins.  After the meal, you will come to a fork in the road.  Sweet or savory?  This chewy Napa Cabernet will not disappoint if the last glass or two comes with a thick wedge of flourless dark chocolate cake.  If that's not for you, we recommend an outstanding blue cheese from Northern Spain.  La Peral.  It's made from cow's milk, which has had sheep cream added to it, and is nothing short of heavenly.  We don't need any bread, just another glass...

Size:  750ml
Vintage:  2005
Varietal:  92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec
Ageing:  16 months in French and American oak
Alcohol:  14.1%
Region:  Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley, California