Winemaker Notes
The majority of fruit for the 2002 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon was grown on hillside vineyards in the Sonoma Valley; a region known to yield some of the most concentrated and balanced Cabernet Sauvignon in Sonoma County. After aging lots separately in seasoned French oak barrels and a small amount of American oak barrels for 23 months, only the finest was selected to blend and return to French oak barrels for another five months of aging.
The resultant wine is a perfect vision of violet with purple hues and tones of brick-red around the edges. It shows certain richness and there is no shortage of complexity. Rich aromatics of black cherry, cassis and leather introduce the palate to a symphony of flavor profiles with black fruit in the forefront of undertones and overtones of plump, ripe fruit in this full bodied wine. The tannins are in harmony, bringing structure and balance with a long, lovely finish. This wine should evolve and age with grace throughout at least the next two decades.
Arrowood 2002 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a true pleasure to enjoy on its own, and pairs well with many different foods. Serve it with grilled meats or seafood, or favorite pasta topped with a rich, bold red sauce.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Dick Arrowood does not receive the credit he deserves for his top-flight Cabernet Sauvignons from Sonoma, which are among the finest made in that county. The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Speciale, which spent 23 months in French and American cooperage, reveals a dense ruby/purple color along with a classic nose of loamy soil, creme de cassis, vanilla, and spice. It possesses purity, grace, concentration, power, and finesse. Firmly structured and tannic, but rich and full, it needs another 2-3 years of bottle age, and should evolve for two decades.
While Sonoma County is acclaimed—and rightfully so—for its Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and Zinfandels, it also produces exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. Of the region’s 18 American Viticultural Areas, only a handful produce top-notch Cabernet Sauvignon. These appellations include Alexander Valley, Knights Valley, Sonoma Valley and Dry Creek Valley. Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignons made in these appellations can offer a complex array of aromas and flavors. Fruit notes such as blackberry, blackcurrant, cassis, black cherry and raspberry often are accompanied by hints of graphite, dusty earth, cigar box, toast and vanilla. The varietal has a rich history in Sonoma, and some of these Cabernet Sauvignons and Cabernet-based blends rival the best from Napa Valley.