2002 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
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Tasting notes
(14.5% alcohol; 80% from To-Kalon): Dark medium ruby color. Sexy, dark aromas of cassis, minerals and bitter chocolate. Sweet, plush and deep, conveying an almost syrupy ripeness counterpointed by unexpected acidity. This very generous wine boasts terrific palate presence and appeal, finishing with suave tannins and outstanding length. I liked this wine very much upon its release but it has taken a while to reveal the liqueur-like ripeness that's typical of this vintage.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
This iconic winery in Oakville has meant so much to not only me, but wine lovers throughout the United States. However, Robert Mondavi’s 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is somewhat of a disappointment. Made from a final blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec, it is a somewhat restrained, mid-weight effort that finishes narrowly and abruptly on the palate. I even asked the Napa Valley Vintners’ Association (where my tastings were being held) to open a second bottle, and it was identical to the first. Red fruits, earth, incense, black currants and a hint of mint were all present, and while this cuvee is very good, it is not at the level of achievement one expects of this great brand and winery. Fully mature, yet capable of lasting another 10-15 years, this wine would benefit from more stuffing, complexity and gravitas. Tel. (888) 766-6328
Looks very mature. Smells very evolved with some lively complexity and relatively gentle composition. Some fine tannins and dustiness well in retreat. Very ripe fruit but – just – enough acidity. Not the perfect follow through; it’s a little lacking juice on the finish. The fruit fell away in the glass. Blind guess: mountain. Revealed location: valley. (JR)
(80% from To Kalon fruit) Full medium ruby. Vibrant, highly aromatic nose combines blackberry, violet and licorice. Juicy, lively and light on its feet, with cool, lifted flavors of blackberry, violet, mint and exotic spices. Today, this gives virtually no hint of dehydrated fruit. Offers terrific verve for the vintage, but the substantial ripe tannins call for at least five or six years of additional cellaring.
About the producer
Robert Mondavi is a name known the world over. The ambitious businessman created his eponymous winery in 1966 to produce world-class wines in Napa, pioneering quality winemaking and becoming a champion for the region.