2005 Maybach, Materium, Oakville 1x750ml

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

Vinous 91

(100% cabernet sauvignon, from a vineyard above Dalla Valle, planted on similar cobbly red soil) Lovely perfume to the slightly exotic aromas of smoky raspberry, plum and spices. Sweet, dense, chewy and broad, but with firm acidity giving shape and aromatic lift to the berry, spice and floral flavors. Winemaker Thomas Brown noted that it was necessary to let the fruit hang for a long time to get thorough ripeness, even at the risk of picking a few raisins. And yet this retains a juicy quality and displays lovely lingering perfume. [Stephen Tanzer, 05/01/2008]