2002 Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
The sensational 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc from the red soils of their vineyards planted in the Oakville Corridor on the eastern hillsides overlooking the valley floor vineyards of Screaming Eagle and Rudd Estate. A dense ruby/purple color is followed by aromas and flavors reminiscent of a 4-to-5 year-old wine rather than one that has already hit a decade of age. In fact, it probably needs another 5-10 years of cellaring and should keep for 20-25 more years. It is another example of what will one day be regarded as the “golden age” of Napa Valley for the progress in quality and the world class wines that were produced. A wine of great stature and majesty, the youthful 2002 exhibits sweet licorice, creme de cassis, incense and graphite aromas, and is bursting with potential. Despite the fact that I have given Dalla Valle’s wines fabulous reviews over the last 20 years, looking back, I seriously underrated the 2002s seven years ago. Both of these cuvees are among the superstars of this tasting. Their youthfulness, combined with their undeniable complexity and richness, is provocative. Tel. (707) 944-2676; Fax (707) 944-8411
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Bright red-ruby. Cool aromas of blueberry, violet and bitter chocolate. Sweet but cool in the mouth, with brooding flavors of dark berries, dark chocolate and mint. Offers an enticing sweetness but comes across as a bit youthfully unyielding today. Finishes with dusty, slightly clenched tannins. In a distinctly cool style. This will require five or six years for the tannins to soften.
(includes 12% cabernet franc) Good medium ruby color. Vibrant aromas of cassis, espresso and smoky oak. Bracing and highly aromatic in the mouth, with dense black fruit and spice flavors lifted by a violet note. Very sappy and penetrating for the vintage, with terrific fruit intensity.
About the producer
Dalla Valle Vineyards was founded in 1986 by Naoko and her late husband Gustav Dalla Valle, in Oakville. Initially they had wanted to create a luxury resort, but when they discovered the potential of the site, they changed tack and decided to make wine.