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Rob's "Wine of the Week" Archives

So here is my wine review for the week of November 3rd...

WHITEHALL LANE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005

Description: Whitehall lane is widely known, buoyed by its winery’s spectacular location along Highway 29 as you enter the Napa Valley; a winery by the way, they are building an enormous addition/expansion on as we speak.

Whitehall has never produced spectacular Napa reds, nor have they ever charged as though they did. They have attempted to maintain a position in the middle; offering high quality wines at a mid level price. As a result of that model, they hit and miss far more often than upper or lower end wineries who have committed themselves to either producing stellar wines or making a fast buck, depending on whether they have chosen the former or latter model.

How and when I drank it: Halloween night, Friday October 31, 2008 at my house.

How to get it: Whitehall lane is widely, easily and readily available at almost all wine and liquor stores, many grocery stores, on numerous restaurant wine lists and of course at the winery in Napa.

How Much: Whitehall lane is widely, easily and readily available at almost all wine and liquor stores, many grocery stores, on numerous restaurant wine lists and of course at the winery in Napa.

My Thoughts: This is not a very good, especially when held against the stunningly high quality of most 2005 Napa reds. It’s surprising that a decent winery like Whitehall Lane would struggle in a year when the wine practically made itself, and it makes me wonder if they have lost their quality focus while being distracted by their winery renovations.

Overall Score: The wine if firm, tight, dusty (almost too thin producing that headache quality that some sub-par reds can give) and too dark in flavor, presenting leather, tobacco and a little charcoal. This isn’t a horrible wine, but it’s relatively poor compared to other 2005 Napa cabs for even half the price, thus there’s no reason to buy or drink it.
1 vine

WHITEHALL LANE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 =