Educated Guess Napa Cabernet 2005

There have been a string of really good Napa Cabernet vintages, and 2005 is shaping up as well in the bottle as it looked in the vineyards. When I was in Napa in mid-October of 2005, most of the abundant crop of Cab was yet to be harvested, so I was able to get some pictures of the pregnant vines. The vines were loaded and seemed to be almost bleeding rich ripe fruit. It was obvious then there was enough fruit to go around and then some. As a result there are now some bargains to be had, like Educated Guess.

In fact, 2005 was the first year for Educated Guess Napa Cab, founded by Proprietor Mark Albrecht, who is by all accounts an industry marketing success story, having been behind a number of successful labels. He tapped consulting wine maker Barry Gnekow, another big noise in industry circles to make sure the bottles got filled with the best juice available. I guess the timing was perfect for Educated Guess. Representation by Hahn Family Wines, formerly known as Wimbledon Wine Company, ensured the brand quickly received the reach it needed. Hahn represents some great bargains that over-deliver, like Cycles Gladiator, Hahn and Huntington. They spun off a big winner a few years back, Rex Goliath 47 Pound Rooster.

Put this Napa Cab up against the big names on the Valley. This is a big, bold, buttoned down wine that could easily win a brown bag contest of Napa Cabs. Few would guess it to be available under $20. The color is deep and dark. You definitely get textbook blackberry and cassis liqueur aromas, plus vanilla overtones and a smidgen of peppermint leaves. On the tongue the cassis liqueur dominates as it should, plus there's a bit of spicy oak present. The body is full and the finish is substantial with sturdy tannins, although you won't have to wait on this Cab. At least I won't - it's ripe for drinking now. That's good, because I have neither the patience nor the room to lay down wine these days.

Price: $19 (Nashville). Closure: Real cork. Alcohol content: 14.1%.