Shows a unique wintergreen or menthol note to the ripe blackberry, cherry and coffee flavors. Could it be from eucalyptus trees? The flavors are framed in dusty, fine tannins. Elegant now, and should soften and sweeten for many years.
— S.H.
(10/1/2004)
Forward and lush, with a beautiful structure, this dry, balanced wine has cherry, cassis, wintergreen and oak flavors that finish in a swirl of complexity. This fine wine defines the elegance and femininity of a great Rutherford Cab, and should age well through 2012.
— S.H.
(12/15/2005)
Here’s a powerful Cabernet Sauvignon, ripe and opulent, offering summer blackberry, sour cherry candy, currant, dried herb and rose petal aromas and flavors. The addition of 21% Merlot brings a candied softness, but it’s still pretty tannic, and wants 4–5 years in the cellar.
— S.H.
(12/1/2010)
Seems like it was picked earlier than most ’03s, given the dry tannins and peppery, minty flavors. Still, it has a beautiful structure, classic and refined, with cherry and cocoa flavors and upscale oak. Drink now through 2010.
— S.H.
(12/15/2006)
Lean, with angular flavors of blackberry, cedar, beet, cinnamon, and a rhubarb-like note seen in only a few other wines. Rather tart on the palate, it finishes quite dry, with an astringent feel. Does not possess the depth or texture of the competition.
— W.E.
(11/1/2000)
Tastes better than it smells. The aromas are herbal, stalky and even raw vegetal, with an overlay of toasty oak. In the mouth, some blackberry flavors show up, but it’s a thin wine and not going anywhere. Still, the rich, soft structure saves it.
— S.H.
(2/1/2004)
Too raisiny and hot for me, with stewed fruit flavors. The tannins are nice and ripe, but that cooked taste is a turnoff. Barbecued beef is your best bet.
— S.H.
(3/1/2007)
This displayed a medicinal aroma, and tasted like candied cherry cough medicine. That candied taste lingered into the finish, where the wine turned slightly harsh.
— S.H.
(12/15/2007)