Hundred Acre
Deep Time Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley
2005
Vintage
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
ABV
Where it is, July 2026
At Peak: in the heart of its drinking window (2012-2033).
In 2026, the Hundred Acre Deep Time Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 is at peak, entering its fourteenth year of prime drinking. The 2005 was the inaugural release of the Deep Time program - the first wine to come from what Hundred Acre identifies as the site's ancient alluvial soils with deep cobblestone complexity, a terroir expression that stands apart from the volcanic Howell Mountain character of the Ark Vineyard. Fourteen years into peak in 2026, the wine occupies the same late-peak zone as the 2005 Ark Vineyard published from the same house: a vintage that Wine Spectator rated WS 92 Outstanding with the honest note that many 2005 Napa Cabernets are now tannic and drying out. The Deep Time has differentiated itself through terroir rather than tannic force: the ancient alluvial cobblestone soils produce a different mineral character - wet stone and graphite rather than volcanic iron ore - and a broadly structured palate that has evolved toward concentration rather than tannin austerity. The dark cherry, cassis, graphite, and wet stone aromatics of the inaugural release are now deepened by secondary complexity. With 7 years of peak window remaining through 2033, the 2005 Deep Time rewards opening soon rather than continued holding.
The ‘05 Deep Time Cabernet Sauvignon.
The inaugural Deep Time release and a watershed moment in Hundred Acre's history, the 2005 draws from ancient alluvial cobblestone soils to deliver a different mineral voice than the Ark Vineyard - now 14 years into peak with 7 years remaining.
Drinking window
Tasting note
Deep garnet with a brick-edged rim that signals 14 years of careful aging - the visual progression of a wine from the inaugural vintage of a significant program. The nose is a study in mineral differentiation: where the Ark Vineyard's ancient volcanic character produces iron ore and mineral austerity, the Deep Time's ancient alluvial cobblestone soils deliver wet stone and graphite of a distinctly different geological register. Dark cherry and cassis that were the dominant aromatics at release have receded to supporting roles behind the mineral complexity and secondary notes of cedar, dried tobacco, and earth that 14 years of bottle age have layered into the bouquet. On the palate the wine fulfills the promise of its terroir: broadly structured with firm tannins now well integrated, deep dark fruit concentration that has survived the 2005 vintage's yield pressure intact, and a long mineral-driven finish that speaks directly of the cobblestone soils below the vine roots. A wine of geological character and quiet persistence that has earned its place as the founding expression of Hundred Acre's Deep Time program.
The 2005 vintage
The 2005 Napa Valley vintage earned a Wine Spectator Outstanding rating of 92 points from a record-size crop year that Wine Spectator characterizes honestly: the best wines are elegant and balanced, yet many are now tannic and drying out. The record yield of 2005 created a bifurcated outcome across the valley - estates that managed crop load aggressively produced wines of genuine quality and structural integrity, while those that harvested the excessive volume in full produced wines whose tannin mass has outlasted their fruit. For Hundred Acre's Deep Time vineyard, where the ancient alluvial cobblestone soils differ from the volcanic Howell Mountain terroir that defines the Ark Vineyard, the 2005 crop management challenge played out against a different geological backdrop. The cobblestone alluvial character of the Deep Time site produces Cabernet of a different mineral register, and the 2005's broadly structured palate reflects the terroir's characteristic depth and concentration. At 14 years into peak in 2026, the 2005 Deep Time stands among the exceptional wines of that record-crop vintage.
About Hundred Acre
Jayson Woodbridge launched the Deep Time program as a complement to the Ark Vineyard and Kayli Morgan Vineyard expressions, defining it around the distinctly different character of ancient alluvial soils with deep cobblestone complexity that produce Cabernet of a geological character the volcanic Howell Mountain sites cannot replicate. Where the Ark Vineyard is defined by iron ore and angular mineral precision, the Deep Time site delivers wet stone and graphite from a different geological layer entirely - a calmer, more broadly structured mineral expression. The winemaking approach at this site emphasizes extraction calibrated to the cobblestone terroir through small open-top fermentation and French oak aging that supports the site's broad structure without overwhelming the alluvial mineral precision. The 2005 inaugural release established the Deep Time's identity as a site-specific expression of geological diversity within the Hundred Acre portfolio. Production is strictly limited and available through the mailing list only.
From the cellar: pair with
Roasted Squab with Black Cherry Reduction and Smoked Salt
The wine's dark cherry and cassis concentration harmonize with the squab's gamey richness while the wet stone mineral character and cedar notes frame the smoked salt and reduction without competing.
Lamb Chops with Herbed Crust and Sea Salt
The wine's graphite mineral note and broadly structured palate match the density of lamb; the cobblestone mineral finish extends naturally into the herbed, salted preparation while the cassis balances the richness.
Aged Gruyere with Dark Cherry Preserves and Toasted Walnut
The wine's dark cherry and graphite character bridge naturally to the crystalline, nutty depth of aged Gruyere; cherry preserves amplify the wine's fruit concentration while walnut mirrors the earthy mineral register.
Service & cellaring
- Serving Temp
- 60-64F (16-18C)
- Decanting
- Decant 30 to 45 minutes in 2026. The 2005 is 14 years into peak and at a stage where secondary complexity is fully developed. A 30 to 45 minute decant will lift the dark cherry, cassis, graphite, and wet stone aromatics and allow the cedar and tobacco secondary notes to emerge. Unlike the younger Hundred Acre vintages, avoid 2+ hour decanting at this stage. Serve at 60-64F.
- Cellar Storage
- 55F (13C), 60-70% humidity, on its side in a vibration-free environment.
The drinking window on this bottle is calculated with the Cellared Ageability Index (CAI) v1.0, a 10-factor model. Try the free drinking window calculator on any wine, or read when to drink wine for the practical signals.
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Frequently Asked
When is the best time to drink the Hundred Acre Deep Time Cabernet Sauvignon 2005?
In 2026 this wine is at peak, entering its fourteenth year of prime drinking, with 7 years of optimal drinking remaining through 2033. The 2005 is late-peak and the window is narrowing - Wine Spectator notes many 2005 Napa Cabernets are now tannic and drying out, and while the Deep Time's ancient alluvial cobblestone character has proven more forgiving than harder volcanic-site wines, the time to open is now rather than continue waiting. Plan to open in the next 2-4 years for maximum complexity. See [Napa Valley wines](/wines/region/napa-valley) for context on the WS 92 Outstanding 2005 vintage.
Should I decant the 2005 Deep Time before serving?
Decant 30 to 45 minutes in 2026. The 2005 is 14 years into peak and at a stage where secondary complexity is fully expressed and further aggressive aeration would not help. A 30 to 45 minute decant will lift the dark cherry, cassis, graphite, and wet stone aromatics and allow the cedar and tobacco secondary notes to emerge. Unlike the younger Hundred Acre vintages, avoid 2+ hour decanting at this stage. Serve at 60-64F.
How does the Deep Time 2005 differ from the Ark Vineyard 2005?
The 2005 Deep Time and the [Hundred Acre Ark Vineyard 2005](/wines/hundred-acre/ark-vineyard-cabernet-sauvignon/2005) are the same vintage from the same estate, but the terroir separation is fundamental. The Ark Vineyard sits on rocky volcanic Howell Mountain soils producing iron ore mineral intensity and angular tannic structure; the Deep Time draws from ancient alluvial cobblestone soils delivering wet stone and graphite in a broader, less angular register. Both are 14 years into peak with 7 years of peak window remaining, but the Deep Time is more broadly structured where the Ark Vineyard is more precise and angular. See [Cabernet Sauvignon wines](/wines/varietal/cabernet-sauvignon) for broader context.
What makes the Deep Time site distinctive within the Hundred Acre portfolio?
The Deep Time vineyard is defined by ancient alluvial soils with deep cobblestone complexity - geological character that produces Cabernet of a distinctly different mineral register than the volcanic Howell Mountain sites. Where the Ark Vineyard's iron ore and angular precision speak of volcanic geology, the Deep Time delivers wet stone and graphite from ancient river-deposited cobblestone that forms a calmer, more broadly structured palate. The inaugural 2005 release established this geological differentiation as the program's identity. Compare with [Hundred Acre Few and Far Between 2009](/wines/hundred-acre/few-and-far-between-cabernet-sauvignon/2009) for the estate's most powerful hillside expression.
How long can I cellar the 2005 Hundred Acre Deep Time?
The 2005 has a peak window through 2033, with hard decline not expected until 2042. In 2026 there are 7 years of optimal drinking remaining - but the advice mirrors that for the [Hundred Acre Ark Vineyard 2005](/wines/hundred-acre/ark-vineyard-cabernet-sauvignon/2005): a late-peak wine from a record-crop vintage that has already outlasted most of its peers deserves to be opened in the next 2-4 years rather than tested against further time. Store at 55F, 60-70% humidity on its side until ready.