2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder
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Tasting notes
Nearly perfect is the more blue-fruited, opaque purple-colored 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Veeder Peak Vineyard. Just under 500 cases were made of this beauty, which is the earliest to mature of these three wines. Notes of blueberry liqueur, black raspberries, creosote, camphor and acacia flowers emerge from this full-bodied, opulent, mouthfilling, complex wine. This formidable 2003 should drink well for another 15 years. For my tastes, these wines are often among the greatest Bordeaux varietal-based offerings from the Jackson family. All three Cabs are produced by long-time winemaker Chris Carpenter, who also makes the wines at Cardinale. The 2003s, all 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 100% new oak, represent true mountain vineyard Cabernets meant for long-term cellaring. Kudos to Chris Carpenter for his brilliant work. Tel. (866) 462-4641
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(all cabernet) Good medium ruby. An essence of cabernet on the nose, with blackberry, licorice and floral aromas complicated by an exotic suggestion of fruity tropical chocolate. Then large-scaled, fat and sweet in the mouth, with highly concentrated black raspberry and chocolate flavors. The powerful mountain tannins coat the front teeth. Like a cabernet syrup today, in need of at least seven or eight years of aging and likely to be long-lived.