This bottling has been a star for Simi since its inception, and the ’05 is among their best ever. It shows Alexander Valley’s softness and slight herbaceousness, along with decadently rich red currant, mocha and oak flavors. Classic and elegant now, it should develop bottle complexities for the next six years. This is a good price, especially compared to what’s going on in Napa Valley.——S.H.(5/1/2009)—— 94