Skill and experience were necessary to pull the most out of the vineyard in 2005. Late rains, cool temperature with fog, and no late season heat combined to make this a most challenging year. After several passes thinning out the less ripe clusters, Beau Terre did ripen up nicely, with final Brix in the mid 26s. Color held well, and the lovely berry notes came out early and just needed to be preserved with gentle treatment and careful blending, backed up with judicious toasty oak. We added more Cabernet Sauvignon than usual, to stiffen up the spine.