2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (95 Parker)
More backward, but still accessible is the inky/purple-colored 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Peterson Family Vineyard. A sensational perfume of melted licorice, black currants, smoked meats, underbrush, and toasty oak are followed by blackberry liqueur-like flavors. This is a powerful, full-throttle, concentrated Cabernet to consume over the next 15+ years.
2005 Merlot (93 Parker)
The 2005 Merlot Peterson Family Vineyard will easily convince skeptics that good Merlot can be voluptuous and sexy. Its dense purple color is followed by notes of black cherry jam interwoven with chocolate fudge, espresso, and toasty oak. Succulent and fleshy, it is all that a California Merlot should be. Drink it over the next 7-8 years.
2005 Petite Sirah (95 Parker)
Not surprisingly, Switchback Ridge has made a bevy of amazing Petite Sirahs, and the 2005 Petite Sirah Peterson Family Vineyard possesses off the charts richness as well as a full-bodied style offering notes of espresso, ground pepper, blackberries, camphor, and incense. It is an exotic, full-bodied, enormously concentrated wine to drink over the next two decades.