2002 Avalon Napa

[wondersofwine]

My impressions of the 2002 Avalon Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (I paid $12.99; available at $10.99 by the case):

Cellared and bottled by Avalon Winery, Graton, Sonoma County. Grapes from Napa.

Dark purple-red color. Some Merlot blended in. Black currants predominate on nose and palate with black cherries as an underlying note. Softens with a little air time. Doesn't need to age. I first had with a vegetarian meal but could see with beef tips or veal in a brown sauce, possibly even a cream sauce (Rahmschnitzel).
The back label may have exaggerated a bit (not sure the "Rutherford dust" was present although WW thought so) but I did recognize the "fruit and finesse." Came in second (to my palate) to the Chateau St. Jean Cabernet Sauvignon, but still an agreeable wine for the price.



[This message has been edited by wondersofwine (edited 12-20-2004).]