winemaker's notes:
"Bright ruby. Deep, sappy aromas of blackcurrant, licorice, graphite, sassafras and espresso. Fat, rich and broad, with layered flavors of cassis, mocha and sexy oak. Offers an impressive combination of fullness and vibrancy. Finishes very long and fine, with cassis, mineral and sweet oak notes. I suspect this wine will develop in a more interesting way than many 2002s with even higher alcohol and lower acidity."
-IWC 92-95 Points
"The stylish, elegant 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve (8,300 cases of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec) is not as dense as either the M-Bar or Vine Hill Ranch cuvee, but it offers a beautiful marriage of power and elegance. Cedar wood, creme de cassis, spice box, and dried herb aromas soar from the glass of this medium-bodied, beautifully balanced, elegant Private Reserve, which is somewhat reminiscent of Mondavi’s 1978. It’s all about harmony, balance, and finesse in 2002. Drink it over the next 15+ years."
-Wine Advocate