This weeks coverage of Sawtooth Winerycomes to a close with today's offerings. I'm taking a look at 2 Cabernet Sauvignons from different vintages and in different tiers at Sawtooth Winery. The first in their 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon from their main tier of wines. This selection is 77% Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% Merlot, 7% Petite Verdot, 4% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc making up the balance. 1,350 cases of this wine were produced and it retails for $14.99.
Violets, dark berry fruit and a persistent cedar aroma make up this wines nose. Taking the first sip I was struck by an abundance of sweet rich berry fruit. A bit of tartness appears at first and decanting this wine is 
recommended. After it had a chance to breathe and open up it displayed silky smooth character throughout while maintaining a good tannin structure. Spice notes and earthiness populate the medium length finish.
Having all 5 Bordeaux varietals helps create a balanced wine that has good complexity for it's price point.
The second wine is Sawtooth's2004 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. This one is also a blend of all 5 Bordeaux varietals. 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petite Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot and 1% Malbec make up the reserves blend. Only 150 cases of this offering were produced and the suggested retail price is $24.99.
More so than the 2005 even, this reserve Cabernet Sauvignon requires decanting. An hour really does the trick and allows the wine to shine. Loads of cherry notes and an undercurrent of spice dominate both the nose and the palate of this wine. The mid-plate is rich, fruity and mouth filling. This wine is well balanced throughout displaying structure, complexity and a persistent intensity. The reserve Cabernet Sauvignon has an excellent finish full of vanilla, white pepper and nutmeg with subtle mocha notes underpinning them all. A wine like this deserves to be paired with a steak or other substantial meal.
After it was open a full 24 hours I retasted the reserve Cabernet and it was still holding strong, perhaps drinking even better than it had the previous day.
The 2 Cabernet Sauvingons from Sawtooth Winery are quite distinct. The 2005 is a solid wine, with good value in it's price category. It offers solid varietal character and is a good bet for a solid Cabernet affordable enough to drink everyday. The 2004 Reserve at a higher price point is still a good value as it offers even more character and complexity. It's also likely to improve in the bottle over the next 5 or so years.
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