2002
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine Spectator, Dec. 31, 2004 - Jan. 15, 2005. Rated 93, Collectible: Lots of rich, creamy oak and a tasty core of ripe currant, plum and black cherry fruit combine to form this notably complex and concentrated young wine. Delicious from start to finish. With a long, fruity aftertaste and fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2011.
2001
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine Spectator, Rated 93, Collectible: The 2001
vintage was an example of what I call the California advantage. While growers in
Bordeaux and many other prime wine regions have to keep a constant eye on
weather as harvest approaches, in the Napa Valley we can go well into autumn
with a much reduced risk of serious rain. That's what happened in 2001, giving
us a very long and dry growing season with moderate temperatures. We were able
to be ultra-selective as grapes in each area of the vineyards became optimally
mature. From September 4, when we brought in the earliest ripening grapes,
through our last harvest on October 11, we passed through each of the vineyards
at least twice. In some cases, we picked one side of the vine up to 10 days
before the other side. The resulting wines were highly extracted and packed with
beautiful, ripe black currant flavors-classic and pure.
Chuck Wagner
TASTING NOTES
Deep, powerful aromas of sweet, ripe black currants (cassis) dominate, followed by lighter notes of fennel/anise, lightly caramelized spices (clove, cardamom) and vanilla. In the mouth, the flavors expand and deepen, adding suggestions of dark chocolate and roasted coffee beans. The wine is solid and weighty, densely textured but still rich and supple. The tannins and spice from the oak are beautifully integrated, bringing balance and complexity to the wine's core of ripe berry fruit. The finish is long and expansive, with a lingering impression of sweet summer fruit.
Release date: September 2003
Suggested retail price: $70