Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Napa Valley 2005

98 points Robert Parker: "A candidate for one of the wines of the vintage, this stunning 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford includes in its blend some of the oldest Cabernet vines in existence in Napa Valley. It tips the scales at a lofty 15.4% alcohol, but believe it or not, it is strikingly elegant and pure, with laser-like precision. Inky, dark ruby/purple, with a stunning nose of forest floor, creme de cassis and a subtle, earthy minerality, the wine is built like a skyscraper, with a multidimensional mouthfeel and incredible complexity and richness, yet it never comes close to tasting heavy or overwrought. This is just a great terroir, great winemaking, and the results are profound. It seems to be drinkable now, but is capable of at least another 10-20 years of full-throttle pleasure. This is a superstar and a remarkable effort. Bravo! (Jun 2015)"

96 points Wine Spectator: "Combines power with finesse and purity of flavor. Ripe, with fleshy, juicy wild berry, plum and black cherry fruit that's supple and polished, rich and concentrated, with a long, deep, focused and persistent finish that keeps repeating the fruit themes. 850 cases made. (11/15/08)"

95 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Good deep ruby. Pungent aromas of liqueur-like cassis and blackberry, violet, bitter chocolate and camphor; a real essence of cabernet sauvignon. Juicy, pure and penetrating, with a mouthwatering quality to the crushed berry, violet and bitter chocolate flavors thanks to lively acidity and firm underlying minerality. This extremely young wine really coats the mouth with flavor. Began quite closed but showed increasing density and sweetness as it opened in the glass. The finish features superb palate-saturating tannins and an uncanny vibrating quality. A wonderfully aromatic wine that should improve in bottle for many years. (May/Jun 2008)"