Cakebread Benchland Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Cakebread Benchland Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 is a library-vintage Napa Valley cabernet — a 750mL bottle from the gravelly, loamy soils of Napa's western benchlands, harvested October 15–17, 2005 and aged 21 months in French oak barrels (38% new) before bottling in July 2007. Winemaker Julianne Laks ferments each benchland vineyard lot separately to preserve site character; the 2005 earned 94 points from the Wine Advocate, which called it "a stunner." Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 14.9% (retailer-reported; Cakebread's own 2005 page omits ABV)
- Size: 750mL
- Aging: 21 months in French oak, 38% new
- Origin: Napa Valley benchlands, California
- Score: 94 points, Wine Advocate (2005)
A Benchland Stunner at Its Plateau
Benchland Select is Cakebread's site-driven flagship — fruit from the alluvial-fan vineyards along Napa Valley's western edge, where gravelly soils stress the vines into concentration. The Wine Advocate found "gorgeous blueberry, blackberry and cassis fruit, licorice and white chocolate" at maturity, and two decades on the 2005 is at its plateau. Browse the cabernet sauvignon collection and more Cakebread Cellars wines.
Tasting Notes
Lavish dark fruit — blackcurrant, blackberry, boysenberry — with loamy earth, dark chocolate, vanilla cream and briary spice. Full and lush, dense and mouthfilling, framed by fine ripe tannins with a long, savory finish.
How to Enjoy
Decant two hours and serve at 60–65°F. Pair with dry-aged steak, braised short ribs or dark-chocolate desserts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What score did the 2005 Benchland Select receive?
94 points from the Wine Advocate.
How was the 2005 Benchland Select aged?
21 months in French oak barrels, 38% new, bottled July 2007.
What does "Benchland" mean?
The wine comes from vineyards on the benchlands — the alluvial fans along Napa Valley's western mountains — known for gravelly, loamy soils.
Is the 2005 ready to drink?
Yes — it's at its plateau of maturity and should hold there; decant before serving.
Twenty years in, still a stunner — order Cakebread Benchland Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.