By Steve Heimoff

Chimney Rock continues a successful string of vintages with this powerful '05. It's a distinguished wine that calls to mind the description of Stags Leap Cabernet as an iron fist in a velvet glove. Rich and full-bodied, it has lush flavors of black currants and smoky new oak. Easy to find, with 28,000 cases produced.

By James Laube

Guide to California Cabernet Sauvignon

"Elegant and supple

By Tasting Panel

Heady cherry, plum and vanilla aromas. Packed with black cherry and blueberry fruit with sturdy, fine-grain tannins. Lengthy, youthful close that will continue to improve.

By Pamela Govinda

A big yet elegant, full-bodied wine; blackberry, currant, black cherry and tobacco flavors are well balanced with the acidity; a nice long finish; pairs well with grilled beef tenderloin.

By Linda Murphy

This is a very dense, black-fruited wine with very complex scents of fresh herbs, cigar box and oak spice. The palate delivers crisp, curranty fruit, fresh acidity and a polished texture from judicious use of oak. Medium-full tannins give it good cellaring potential. Its an elegant wine that doesnt shout Look at me! in a big tasting, yet shows well at the table.

By James Laube

Elegant and supple, showing herb, tobacco and tea-laced currant and black cherry flavors that are complex and well-proportioned, with a long, lingering finish. Drink now through 2013.

By Charles Olken

Two Puffs: Highly Distinctive Wine, Likely to be Memorable.

"Combining the refinement and keen focus found in the best from Chimney Rock

By Steve Heimoff

Your first impression is of a rich, well-structured, important Cabernet. It impresses with ripe, cassis-laced fruit and lush, sweet tannins. Turns chocolaty on the finish. Oak provides seasoning, but doesn't dominate this dry, elegant Cab.

By Jim Gordon

Serious enjoyment. Combines pretty, fresh and concentrated fruit flavors with a serious structure of fine tannins, firm acidity and full body. Smooth and enjoyable, but hearty enough for grilled and roasted meats. Best now through 2012.

By Lyn Farmer

Cedary scents of date, coffee and fresh herbs. Smooth, dry flavors of blackberry, cedar and bittersweet chocolate. Creamy close shows ample, though well-meshed fruit.

By Joshua Greene

Dark scents of blackberry and black olive show this wine's richness up front. It has the cool feel of a conifer forest, hinting at juniper and cedar, lasting on a more peppery spice. Serve this with savory dishes, like lamb shank braised with rosemary and bay.