2005 von Strasser Winery Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Mission Codename: Practice Makes Perfect

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Acquire the exceptional Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from von Strasser Winery.

Mission Status: Accomplished

Current Winery: von Strasser Winery

Wine Subject: 2005 Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker: Rudy von Strasser

Backgrounder:

The fruit for this exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon (the overall 2005 vintage is rated 95 points by Wine Enthusiast) come from Napa Valley’s Diamond Mountain AVA located in the north east corner of Napa in the Mayacamas mountains. This mountain fruit, grown in porous volcanic soil that drains well with more exposure to sunlight results in berries that are more concentrated in both flavor and intensity. Only about 600 acres of vines are planted in the AVA’s 5,000 total acres.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Deep garnet with purple hues, a dark clear core and a ruby edges. Groups of long fast slender legs ring the glass when swirled.

Smell – Bold and youthful aromas led of by its fruit components of tart black cherry and wild bramble berries backed up with black pepper, new oak and complex hints of cocoa and licorice.

Feel – A medium tangy initial attack that quickly smooths, this dry full-bodied wine has firm, but fine tannic structure and medium acidity. After some time, this wine opens up completely, revealing an elegant and rich palate.

Taste – Flavors of black cherry, black currant and a little plum; both new and smokey oak over developing layers of spice, vanilla, licorice and cocoa.

Finish – Super long and smooth with lingering flavors of black cherry, smoke, spice and licorice.

Conclusion – This is truly an exceptionally delicious Cabernet Sauvignon that is just starting to show its true character and finesse. Although it is still developing, this wine is both complex and elegant. A great mouthfeel and its classic Cabernet aromas and flavors make this wine great for grilled lamb chops or venison; or my favorite way to enjoy wine as the days get shorting… pour yourself a glass and snuggle up with your favorite secret agent in front of the fireplace!

Mission Report:

von Strasser Winery is now a fully vetted winery. Read Agent Red’s original mission report entitled Diamonds Are Forever below:

While my life is almost completely consumed with wine, I do have other interests. One of them is treasure hunting.

I am constantly receiving intel for my assets around the wine industry – and sometimes that intel has noting to do with wine.

Recently, I received a report that the world famous Diamond District, in the norther tip of the Napa Valley, was so named because a cache of stolen diamonds was buried high up in the Mayacams mountains, among some of the fines Cabernet Sauvignon grapes known to humankind.

This report included clues to the specific whereabouts of the diamonds, valued at an estimated $5 million. My source provided a map, general coordinates and a few old photographs from the 1920’s. I agreed to a 50/50 split and set of to Napa.

Once up in the Mayacamas, a gorgeous vine-covered region at the northern tip of the Napa Valley. Juggling the old photos and my portable GPS, I managed to make my way what was almost certainly the right vicinity.

[beep.boop.beep beep.boop.beep]

An open wine glass? Up here? My Wine Spies PDA is never wrong, and that alert was difficult to believe. Utilizing the PDA’s direction finder, I made my way toward the wine. I made my way down a vineyard row, turned a corner – and witnessed a remarkable sight: A small table with a white tablecloth with a single glass of wine atop it!

I approached the table and saw that its surface was strewn with… with… loose diamonds! My heart raced. Ignoring the note card that sat next to the wine glass, I grabbed a diamond and examined it with my jewelers loop. My heart sank. These were no diamonds. Instead, just fakes.

I stood there for a moment, stunned. Eventually, I snapped out of it and reached for the card. It read, “Agent Red. My apologies for the subterfuge. To make it up to you, I have arranged a special allocation of a very special wine for you. Sincerely, [CENSORED] – von Strasser Winery.”

This note was significant and I felt instantly better. I had been trying to infiltrate the von Strasser Winery for months. Their wines, particularly their Cabernet Sauvignon, is the stuff of legend.

I grabbed up the glass, inhaled deeply, and took a sip. Heavenly.

Then, my phone rang.

“Agent Red. [CENSORED] here, from von Strasser….”

The rest is obvious, dear Operative, for today you have a unique opportunity to sample one of the best Cabs from one of the best regions – by one of Napa Valley’s best wineries.

Diamonds? Who needs diamonds, when you have a wine this good?

Cheers!

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the von Strasser Winery can be seen in this satellite photo.