| Many CEO's, dot-commers, investment bankers, | | | | and fine. An opulent Cabernet Sauvignon with |
| entertainment individualists and average Americans | | | | powerful structure and intensity that underscores |
| have toyed with the idea of changing their lives and | | | | why this varietal is one of the major pursuits at |
| buying a small chateau or winery where they'll live | | | | Etude. |
| happily ever after. | | | | 2. 2005 Cliff Lede 'Stags Leap District' Cabernet |
| It's not just a fantasy; life among the vineyards is | | | | Sauvignon |
| really beautiful. In November the array of autumn's | | | | Pronounced notes of vibrant cassis, violets, sabra, |
| deep colors and gnarled vineyards can provoke | | | | and black cherry coulis. In the palate a melange of |
| passion in wine lovers. | | | | flavors outlined by red currant, hazelnut, and blood |
| Napa Valley vineyards grow in perfect settings, on | | | | plum fill the mouth in a procession of tight and |
| rolling hills or in pleasant valleys. Grapes so recently | | | | gently-integrated tannins with just a hint of cacao |
| hanging among the vines have found their way into | | | | nibs. This brooding and exorbitant Cabernet displays |
| fermentation tanks and small oak barrels. Soon | | | | the complexity, the finesse, and the elegance |
| enough these initial wines will make mouths water | | | | reflective of the Stags Leap Appellation. |
| and palates tingle in appreciation. | | | | 3. 2005 Jaffe Estate Transformation |
| The following list highlights three wines that are | | | | Fans of the storied Napa vintages of the late 20th |
| perfect for the autumn season and can also be | | | | century will notice in Transformation the skillful |
| enjoyed year-round: | | | | balance supposedly lost to California wines after the |
| 1. 2004 Etude 'Napa' Cabernet Sauvignon | | | | turn of the millennium. This wine entices with aromas |
| Heady pure fruit aromas of dark red fruit, black plum, | | | | of raspberries, violets and black currants. The palate |
| black cherry and mocha leap from the glass of this | | | | is velvet from entry to finish, with red currant, |
| classic Cabernet Sauvignon and lead into layers of | | | | raspberry, blackberry, subtle flavors of allspice and |
| warm baking spices and anise. The palate is full of | | | | notes of earth and smoke appearing by turns. |
| rich fruit supported by supple tannins that are long | | | | |