"The 2005 vintage marks the eighth release of Downing Family Vineyards Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. Our 2005 Napa Valley Cabernet is a lovely blend from two famed Napa Valley winegrowers. The Del Bondio Rutherford vineyard is located on Bella Oaks Lane just west of Highway 29 in the heart of the valley. The Del Bondio Rutherford organically farmed fruit has been the heart of our Cabernet Sauvignon since our first Cabernet vintage in 1998. We are always on the lookout for some truly interesting and spectacular hillside Cabernet to add to the Del Bondio valley floor fruit. In 2005 we were very fortunate to have Shafer Vineyards offer us some remarkable Cabernet Sauvignon (with just a bit of Merlot). The resulting Cabernet blend is a beauty with loads of black cherry, black currant and a big sweet nose. The classic earthy Rutherford notes are unmistakable. Our production remains quite small with only 800 cases produced.

Our Cabernet Sauvignon comes from some of the most noteworthy vineyards in Napa Valley. Some of these are classics dating back over a century. We are very fortunate to be working with some of the finest winegrowers in Napa, the Pelissa and Del Bondio families. These families have been growing ultra premium winegrapes in Napa for four generations.

This wine is concentrated, chewy, with unmistakable raspberry and loads of Rutherford dust. It is well balanced, with a tannic structure to make this one quite ageworthy, with a finish measured in geologic time! This is a beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon." ~ Winery notes