Conn Creek Anthology 2003 & 2005

My brother recently visited from North Carolina. He and his wife are "wine worthy" so we had them over for steaks and some of the "good stuff". They are big Caymus and Duckhorn fans so I thought I would introduce them to something different by opening up some bottles of Anthology - a 2003 and a 2005 bottle. If you like red blends, you will love Anthology. I actually favored the 2005 vintage but both were excellent. Pairing this wine with steak was a good call.

Here's a description from the winemaker:

"The pinnacle wine of Conn Creek, Anthology is an expressive, complex blend of Napa Valley's finest Cabernet, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. This blend offers red and black fruit aromas and spicy flavors with nuanced expressions of creamy oak. A robust wine balanced with silky tannins."
-Jeff McBride, Winemaker

Retails for about $55.

Conn Creek 2006 Howell Mountain Cabernet

Conn Creek is famous for their fabulous blend, Anthology, but their 2006 Howell Mountain Cabernet is wonderful and made my Hall of Fame. I favor wines made from mountain fruit. If I see Mt. Veeder or Howell Mountain on a label, chances are I will love the wine.

This wine is earthy and robust which is what you would expect from Howell Mountain grapes. Though the 2006 I tried earlier this year was wonderful, it will be out of this world in a few more years.

Retails for $45/bottle.