If you’ve never experienced a vertical, this is your chance to partake of a unique and thrilling wine experience. Pour these three wines side-by-side, and taste the differences between vintages. Consider, as you taste, that these wines were born of the same grapes, from the same vineyard, made by the same winemaker.

Today’s Ardente Estate Winery Vertical is comprised of their fantastic Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon from the 2005, 2006 and 2007 vintages. This vertical trio was created personally by Agent Red and presented to you as a way to understand the effects that environmental and other factors (primarily weather) play on a wine vintage. Weather, of course has an effect on growth, ripening and soil conditions. These factors, along with the maturity of the vineyard and the winemaker’s own evolution, all play a part. Today’s vertical affords you the opportunity to smell, feel and taste the influence of these factors.

Here are some important details about these wines:

2005 Vintage ~ 92 Points This is a stylistically perfect Napa Valley Cabernet. This vintage is very balanced and very elegant, loaded with dark flavors of blackberry, plum, braised plum and dark leather. Under these, black pepper and coffee bean meld with toasty vanilla and a hint of subtle savory sage.

Drinking beautifully, now, this wine will continue to improve over the next several years. Enjoy right out of the bottle, but decant for an even more elegant drinking experience.

2006 Vintage ~ Not rated As compared to the previous vintage, this wine is made in a very classic Old World style, reminiscent of Italian wines. Dark and rich, with subtle notes of reduced black fruit and sweet earth, this vintage is an exceptional food wine. We paired ours with a meal of braised beef short ribs, rich pureed potatoes and sautéed swiss chard.

Great on opening, this wine really benefits from extended decanting. As the wine breathes, it gradually opens up to reveal added aromas and deepening flavors.

2007 Vintage ~ 91 Points This wonderful 2007 (Remember, Robert Parker gave this important vintage a 96 point score, and Wine Spectator issued a 99 point score) is still approaching its peak - and there is plenty of life left in it. On opening, this vintage exudes wonderful fruit on the nose. As it breathes, it begins to reveal even more elegant fruit, earth and spice. On the palate, the wine is soft and elegant. Plush tannins deliver fruit compote and earthy character to the far corners of the palate.

For those who have had the pleasure of trying the 2007, you know just how amazing it is. For those who haven’t, now is your chance to nab an Operative favorite Cab at a fantastic price!