2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
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Tasting notes
The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa reveals muted aromatics of mossy earth and herbs. In the mouth, the wine is medium-bodied and well-balanced with crisp acidity, but it does not possess the depth or richness one expects from top vintages of this iconic brand. The Napa cuvee will last for another decade, but I do not believe it will improve. Tel. (707) 965-3642; Fax (707) 965-3805
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Full ruby-red. Aromas of cassis, graphite, mint and chocolate, plus a whiff of band-aid. Then surprisingly pliant and creamy for a Dunn cabernet, with accessible flavors of currant, licorice and milk chocolate. Finishes with rather suave tannins and some juicy acidity. Suppler than it appeared to be last spring when I tasted it from barrel, and considerably softer than the Howell Mountain bottling.
Good full ruby. Cooler aromas than the Howell Mountain sample: cassis, licorice, leather, band-aid and a hint of currant leaf. Leaner and more medicinal in the mouth, but with traces of superripeness. The tannins here are a bit tougher and less fine-grained, and there's a light mintiness on the end. According to Mike Dunn, the less tannic, less impressive lots go into the Napa Valley bottling, which is intended to offer easier drinkability.
Ruby-red, not darker than the 2001. Nose shows a wilder fruit character, with notes of cassis and licorice. Fat, sweet and dense, conveying an impression of lower acidity than the 2001. A fruit bomb of a cabernet in the making. Very rich and long on the aftertaste.