2001 Switchback Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Peterson Family Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Medium ruby. Superripe, brooding aromas of cassis and espresso; less expressive today than the merlot. Then sweet, fat and supple in the mouth, with powerful cassis and chocolate flavors and a light herbal component. Comes across as more roasted and a bit less vibrant today than the merlot, with tougher tannins. But this, too, is impressively concentrated, and a few years of additional bottle aging should bring it into better harmony. (My early look at the 2002 suggests that this wine will be more pliant than the 2001, with more consistent ripeness of fruit.)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Full ruby. Brooding aromas of mocha, dark chocolate and coffee grounds, with a lightly minty quality. Then concentrated and penetrating, with oaky torrefaction notes of tar, mocha and chocolate supported by the wine's sweetness, ripeness and chewy texture. Finishes with big, chewy, sweet tannins and substantial oak. Impressive in its style.
The other-worldly 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Peterson Family Vineyard is ... to die for! Given its quality, the price is surprisingly realistic, considering how many California North Coast mediocrities fetch three digit prices. This opaque purple-colored Cabernet exhibits wonderfully sweet aromas of melted licorice intermixed with cedar wood, black currant liqueur, chocolate, and spice box. This full-throttle, unctuously-textured, dense, broad, pure, impeccably balanced, expansive 2001 is mouth-coating in its richness and intensity. It can be drunk with great pleasure, or cellared for 15-20 years. Wow! Tel. (707) 738-6187