2002 Avalon Napa

[winoweenie]

A real contnder for P/Q leader for Napa Cabs. Lightly oaked with lots of mid-Napa fruit showing up. Needs another 2-5 to resolve a solid core of tannins. Both red and black fruit with a dose of Rutherford Dust. 88/90. 12 by the box. 13.9%alc. WW

[Drew]

How's it compare to the '01 that I posted on under http://wines.com/ubb2/Forum4/HTML/000281.html

Drew

[wondersofwine]

You two are onto something. Carolina Wine Company is touting the 2002 and offering at
$12.99 per bottle or $10.99 by the case. I will order a couple bottles to try.

[californiagirl]

I really enjoy the Excelsior Cab- how does this one compare to it? (I know we're talking different countries, but I have to ship in the Excelsior- can't seem to find it locally. BevMo has the Avalon for $10.99, the Excelsior is $9.25 by the case including tax and shipping.)

[This message has been edited by californiagirl (edited 08-24-2004).]

[Drew]

Completely different animal, CG. The Excelsior is all about deep, lush, ripe and hints of chocolate where the Avalon is more about elegance and balance with both dark and red fruit characteristics. The Avalon is a better food wine, IMHO.

Drew

[californiagirl]

Sounds great Drew! I think I'll pick up a few bottles. Thanks

[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).]