2002 Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
Though the 2001 was exceedingly tannic, the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon is superb. Its cassis liqueur, blackberry, and spice aromas lead to a juicy, fresh, hugely ripe personality of exceptional purity and length. Blackberries, black currants, and dark cherries vie with spices and oak for the taster’s attention. A complex, highly expressive, vibrant wine with a delightfully long, suave finish, it is a candidate for drinking over the next 10-14 years. Tel. (509) 525-1428; www.leonetticellar.com
Critic scores
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(includes 11% merlot as well as bits of carmenere and cabernet franc) Deep ruby-red. Highly aromatic, floral aromas of black plum, cassis, mulberry, toffee, coffee and licorice. Round, lush and sweet on entry, then pliant and chewy in the middle, with captivating sweetness. Densely packed and structured yet light on its feet. A real essence of cabernet, and very long on the finish. This may well merit an even higher score with three or four more years of bottle aging.
(bottled one hour prior to my tasting!) Good full ruby. Sappy aromas of black raspberry and mocha. Superripe and expressive, with dark berry, licorice and sweet oak flavors. A big, chewy wine with major toothdusting tannins and impressive structure for aging. Includes about 10% merlot plus bits of cabernet franc and carmenere.