2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Blend
81% Cabernet Sauvignon
7% Merlot
3% Malbec
2% Petite Verdot
Production
17,210 cases
The Vintage
The 2002 growing season was somewhat typical in Napa Valley with excellent weather from Spring to Fall. There was a heat spike in May that slightly reduced the size of our Cabernet Sauvignon crop and a second heat spike in September that stressed the vines and concentrated the flavors in the berries. At harvest the grapes displayed a wonderful balance between fruit and structure that matured into a wine with elegant flavors.
Winemaking
The grapes that make up this blend were all harvested by hand in small lots from mid-September to the third week in October. The grapes were fermented at an average of 86°F with systematic pump-overs for excellent flavor and color extraction. The wine was aged in a combination of American and French oak barrels for 20 months. Merlot and Malbec were added to the final blend to increase fruit complexity. The Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot enhance the aromas and add some spice to the wine.
Tasting Notes
This offering is a classic Bordeaux blend that displays balance between ripe fruit and power. It has deep color and attractive aromas of mulberry, blackberry, spice and vanilla. This elegant wine is round and supple with flavors of berry, plum and mocha that linger beyond the long, polished finish. Enjoyable now, this wine also has the structure to make it a candidate for graceful aging.
