Notes: “Dark, near opaque red, with a brilliant purple edge– bouquet of rich raspberry, blueberry, chocolate, spice, nutmeg and sweet oak. On the palate a medium-light body, sumptuous fruit flavors, with a near perfect acid-tannin balance, pointing to the wine’s sustainable structure. Finally, an awesome finish, witnessed in a rich, long, luscious aftertaste. The 2005 ‘Black Cat’ Cabernet extends the stylistic consistency of flavors, structure and superior wine from this vineyard and vintner for the sixth successive vintage.

The 2005 ‘Black Cat’ is drinking well at present, and while it will be hard to resist immediate consumption, it should improve steadily for the next several years, peaking between 2012 and 2015.”

—Jim Gallagher, Jim Gallagher’s Wine Seminars,
January 23, 2008

Notes: “Dark, highly saturated red with a deep purple edge. Bouquet of rich black cherry, chocolate, rose petal, tea, hints of spice and nutmeg, and sweet oak. Medium-light body, superb fruit, good acid-tannin-fruit balance. Superb finish: rich, long lingering, luscious aftertaste, with generous soft tannins to support continued development.
The richly floral, compelling bouquet and fruit flavors are consistent with earlier vintages – 2000 through 2003 – while the finish is exhibiting the typical delightful mouthfeel earlier than the last two vintages. Eminently ready to be enjoyed upon release – three to seven years to peak.”

—Jim Gallagher, Jim Gallagher’s Wine Seminars,
December 3, 2006

January 2008 update: The 2004 “Black Cat” continues to drink well, just as it did upon release. No remarkable change in the year since its release, although the tannins have continued to integrate and soften. It continues to be more complex than some of the previous vintages. Drink or hold.

Varietal:	100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Fruit source:	EMH Vineyards, Calistoga, CA
Production:	100 Cases
Winemaker:	Art Finkelstein
Brix:	25.8
Alcohol:	14.5%
Cooperage:	100% French Oak (50% new)
Bottling date:	June 2005
Release date:	March 2006

Notes: “Dark red with a purple edge and brilliant hue. Rich raspberry, cherry, chocolate, light truffle, rose petal and sweet oak bouquet; medium-light body, superb fruit, good acid-tannin balance; dry and lingering, superb mouth feel and finish with a rich, lengthy, luscious aftertaste. Forward, finesse style. Highly drinkable upon release – five to six years to peak.”

—Jim Gallagher, Jim Gallagher’s Wine Seminars

January 2008 update: The 2003 “Black Cat” is drinking better than at release, and better than one year following release. The acidity has come fully into balance, and the bouquet continues to increase and impress – perhaps the most expressive nose of the Library wines. Drink or hold.

Notes: “Dark red with a purple edge—rich berry, earth, chocolate, truffle, coffee and toast bouquet; medium body, superb fruit, good acid-tannin balance; dry and lingering, superb finish with a rich, long, luscious aftertaste. Five to ten years to peak.”

—Jim Gallagher, Jim Gallagher’s Wine Seminars

January 2008 update: The 2002 “Black Cat” drinks better each year following its release. This continues to be EMH’s “biggest” wine, showcasing dark fruits, truffle and earth. Drink or hold – this one is going nowhere but up in the pleasure it affords! Nowhere near decline ...

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January 2008 update: 2000 & 2001 EMH “Black Cat”

With the limited quantity of the 2001 available, the opportunity does not often present itself to open one of these rare bottles. However, I was able to enjoy this on at least two occasions during 2007, and it continues to be a favorite. Elegant and classic in the EMH style, it has begun to take on the characteristics of an older Cabernet. It shows no sign of imminent decline, particularly for lovers of aged Cabernet. Drink or hold.

I cannot comment on the current status of the 2000 “Black Cat,” as there are very few bottles remaining anywhere, and I have not personally tasted this wine for at least three years. If anyone has, please share your experience!

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Limited quantities of library wines are available for purchase