Red wine

Shafer Vineyards, Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

RRP £391

A cool, damp vintage after the hot 2004, and it shows in the wine. Plum freshness, with hints of biscuit or toast and graphite (sun-heated rock) on the nose. The palate is bright with some sweetness (dark fruits) but reined in, the tannins young and making themselves felt from the first sip. But those tannins come with a fresh juice wash. This is closed down now. Open a bottle every year or so to see how it’s coming along.