Gold Medal – California State Fair
A couple months ago we ran into Barry Collier at a San Francisco wine tasting event. While tasting his new releases we asked if he had anything unique hiding at the winery. He mentioned to us that he had a little of his 2002 Cabernet resting in his warehouse and said it was tasting great right now. It made us think about the how good the 2003 vintage was when we featured it a while back. When Barry said let's make a deal and give everyone "a gift this holiday season", we jumped at the chance when we could offer the 2002 vintage for $18, half of its original asking price. We had a samples sent over right away, and were delighted to find out that the 2002 lived up to our expectations. This is definitely one you do not want to miss.
The 2002 Collier Falls Cabernet Sauvignon is ruby garnet in color, with a nose of black cherry, vanilla, currant, and just the slightest hint of green pepper that lets you know you have Cabernet in your glass. The palette is smooth and remarkably fresh for a wine nearly 10 years old, with blackberry, cassis, and cherry flavors accompanied by a subtle hint of pine. Good acidity carries through on the finish, with an extra layer of depth introduced from a tiny percentage of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot included in the blend. This is a truly lovely Cabernet, with bottle age that make it perfect for drinking now, yet a vibrancy suggesting it still has several years of life in it, and at $18, you will not regret stocking up on this one.
You rarely find Cabernet perfectly aged, this concentrated, this balanced, and so true to its varietal character at any price; at $17.99 this is an incredible bargain!
Harvest Dates: September 16, 2002
Average Degree Brix: 25
Bottling Date: August 2004
pH: 3.38
TA: 0.54g/100ml
Alcohol: 14.2%
Blend: 97% Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 3% Cabernet Franc & Petit Verdot
Aging: 22 months in 100% French oak barrels
Fermentation: Closed top, aerative pump-overs
Skin Contact: 45 days (alcoholic fermentation & extended maceration)
Racked: 5 times previous to bottling
Total Cases Made: 990 750ml
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
97 Points
Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and crushed rock, along with cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and a medley of dry herbs and spice.
A substantial mouthfeel, full-bodied structure, firm tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit. Well-balanced acidity collaborate harmoniously to accentuate the intricate flavors of berry compote, spices, and oak nuances reminiscent of mocha.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
97 Points
Lush and fleshy, with cassis, boysenberry, and blackberry notes guided by hints of alder and mesquite. Stays open but defined through the finish, with a buried hint of sweet tobacco. A rich, layered beast, this has a nose rife with currants, blackberries, vanilla, and light toast with flavors of mocha, plum, and Bing cherry that mingle harmoniously on the tongue.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
98 Points
Deep purple hue and an alluring aromatic profile of fresh blue fruits and delicate violets. On the palate, it delivers a seamless and layered texture, framed by supple, polished tannins and a refined sense of balance. Elegantly structured, it offers remarkable purity and finesse, finishing with graceful length and poise.
