2002 Altamura Cabernet, Turnbull, Others

[oostexan]

Went to a tasting at the local wine bar this past weekend and have been on a Cali Cab kick the past couple of weeks. Here are a few of the culprits.

1st Place: 2002 Alatamura Napa Cabernet was terrific. Dark ruby with a little smoke on the nose (I love that!), great dark fruits of cherry and concentrated fruit on the mid palate, very elegant and long lasting finish. I bought half a case of it at over 60 bucks a bottle. Unusual for me.

Tasted this up against the following in order of preference (sorry for the sketchy TN's, did not have a anything to write with):

2nd place: 2003 Turnbull Napa Cabernet - wonderful concentrated wine with a smooth and luxurious finish. Tastes more expensive than the 40 dollar retail. I bought half a case of it and may buy more.

3rd Place: 2002 Arrowood Sonoma Cab - I liked it and thought it a pretty good wine for Sonoma cab. Just does not have the more refined fruit that I prefer in Cabs and had a little too much alcohol.

Of Note: 2002 Silver Oak Alexander - Vanilla flavored oak on the front, decent dark fruit in the middle, disappeared on the finish. Where did it go? 60+ dollars for an Alexander valley Cab. Hmmm.

2002 Keenan Napa Cabernet - Good dark fruit on the nose with a touch of vanilla flavored oak, decently concentrated flavors of blackberry and a touch of cigar ash, decent finish. Pretty good, but not on the "must buy" list.

Mark

[This message has been edited by oostexan (edited 08-01-2006).]