2005 Maybach, Materium, Oakville 1×1.5L

Robert Parker 96

Named after the super-luxury car of the same name, the extraordinary 2005 Materium (614 cases) has more in common with a first-growth like Chateau Margaux than a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. It boasts a deep ruby/purple color along with a striking bouquet of blue and black fruits intermingled with acacia flowers, lead pencil shavings, and licorice, excellent fruit, medium to full body, substantial but sweet tannins, and compelling harmony among its acidity, alcohol, tannin, and extract. This sensational 2005 eclipses even the brilliant 2004. It should easily last 25 or more years. Maybach’s Materium cuvee, a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the hillside Weitz Vineyard in the Oakville sector of Napa, east of the Silverado Trail, is made by the highly respected Thomas Brown. www.materium.com [Robert M. Parker, Jr., 22/12/2008]

Anticipated maturity: 2008-2033