Roy Estate Proprietary Red Blend 2005  E-mail a friend

95 points Robert Parker This 17-acre vineyard on the eastern side of Napa is owned by Charles and Shirley Roy. Located in what is known as the Soda Canyon area, the vineyard was planted under the direction of Helen Turley, but today’s winemaker is Philippe Melka. They have two wines in their cuvee, a Bordeaux blend and, of course, their Cabernet Sauvignon. My favorite of the quartet of wines I tasted is the 2005 Proprietary Red, a blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17% Merlot (1,500 cases produced). Of course, Soda Canyon is a southern Napa region and cool, much like its neighbor Stags Leap. This wine exhibits very Bordeaux-like notes of black currants, chocolate, underbrush, and some background oak. With beautiful sweet fruit, striking elegance, well-integrated acidity, and a dense ruby/purple color and medium to full body, this will be a long-lived wine. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025. 88 points Wine Spectator Creamy oak offers a touch of dill and cedar in the aroma. The dried currant and berry flavors are smooth, rich and intense, offering depth and complexity. Needs time in the bottle, given its tight structure. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2010 through 2016. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 1,190 cases made. –JL