In every industry there are names which create an image in your mind as 
soon as you hear them. A couple of the obvious ones when it comes to Napa Valley wine are Mondavi and BV. Then there are the names that sound familiar to a lot of people, but are only truly well known to the converted. Titus Vineyards is in the latter category. They have been turning out exceptional Napa Valley Wine, they’ve received some nice scores and yet they somehow Titus doesn't have household name status. While they don’t make enough wine to achieve top of mind status like the ones I mentioned above, the offerings I’ve had from them prove they should be on the wish list of anyone who buys premium Napa Valley Wine. Today I’ll look at their current release of Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Titus Vineyards 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from fruit in their Estate valley floor vineyard on Silverado Trail, just past St. Helena. In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon (80%), Petit Verdot (9%), Malbec (9%) and Merlot (5%) are blended in. This selection was aged in French (80%) and American oak (20%); 40% of the barrels were new. 4,402 cases of this wine were produced and the suggested retail price is $41.
Berry, cloves, and allspice are the most prominent characteristics in the nose of this Cabernet. The palate is rich and persistent, highlighted by an unyielding but balanced expression of pure fruit. An avalanche of ripe cherry is underscored by light pencil lead notes. Earth, bramble and dusty baker’s chocolate notes are all part of an impressively lengthy finish. This offering has chewy tannins, firm structure and good acidity. All of these elements come together as an impeccably balanced wine.
What really stands out about the 2006 Titus Cabernet Sauvignon is that it’s essentially a high end Napa Cab with a mid-range price. I’ve written quite a bit at my other site, Drink Dry Creek about the relative value of Cabernet available in that region compared to Napa, which can be over priced. Here is an exception. Within its price category this wine over delivers.
If you’re drinking the Titus Cabernet in the next couple of years I recommend decanting it for at least an hour or so. If you’re patient, this Cabernet has everything it needs to improve and drink well for at least a decade.