2002 Hess Collection Cabernet Sauvignon

[newsguy]

was surprised there wasn't already a thread on this perennial favorite from high atop mount veeder in napa valley. no detailed notes, but...

...on the nose and in the mouth lots of plums plus other dark fruits, plus loads of spices (dominated by one i couldn't quite put my finger one) and a perfect dosing of sweet vanila oak. fairly long finish. only negative (for some) was the lack of acidity to go with the substantial fruit and a bit of tannins. this is much softer than i expected it to be at five years old; then again, '02 is a fruit-forward vintage. this is not a bottle that i would wait more than another year or two to drink.

but be aware that i bought this bottle at a wine store yesterday and opened last night, so i have no idea what the provenance has been. it could definitely be prematurely aged. regardless, if i were sitting on a stash of these, i would definitely open one soon to gague it for yourself.

90 points, but could go a point or two higher if the acidity were there.


[This message has been edited by newsguy (edited 07-05-2007).]

[wondersofwine]

As you suggested, usually a very reliable solid wine.