2005 Oberon Hillside Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - Oberon is a label under the Folio Wine Studios umbrella, the venture formed by the Mondavis after they sold the Mondavi brand. Their 'entry-level' cab is priced about double the low-end Mondavi line and the quality supports the price. The Hillside is one of the pricier offerings and thus not one I'll buy much of, but will seek out for special occasions. I only bought the 05's because I was visiting the tasting room with an ITB group and received a nice discount.
Bright red and dark berry aromas, with a hint of cedar. Tart red and black currant flavors, with moderate tannins and well-integrated oak providing solid underpinning. Long tart berry finish. Well balanced and structured. Very nice with braised beef over garlic pasta and also afterwards on it's own. It promises a long life, but it will be hard to keep my hands off the remaining bottles.