2001 Chateau St. Jean Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Sonoma County

Bigger and richer with greater long term potential, the still youthful, dense ruby/purple-tinged 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is composed of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and the rest Malbec and Petit Verdot (14.2% alcohol). It exhibits plenty of cedary black currant notes intermixed with tobacco leaf, incense, licorice and subtle smoky oak in a full-bodied, fleshy, concentrated style. There are some noticeable tannins, but the wine is drinking beautifully, and should keep for another 10-12 years.

Author: Robert Parker

Remarkably complex and polished, with rich, ripe, delicate currant, blackberry, herb, olive and cedary earth notes. For all its richness and intensity, this remains an elegantly styled wine, with impeccable balance. Finishes with a long, rich, concentrated aftertaste.

Author: James Laube