2001 Arrowood Cabernet Sauvignon

The least expensive of this trio, the fully mature 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma, is showing beautifully. I remember loving it when it was released, and it now displays even more longevity than initially predicted. Composed of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it retains enough stuffing to last another 7-8 years, and it could turn out to be like the great Souverain Vintage Selection 1974, which was delicious when released and continues to drink well at age 37. This cuvee exhibits a dense plum/ruby color as well as a big, sweet kiss of black cherries, black currants, licorice and earth. Medium to full-bodied with supple tannins, this is undeniably a sleeper of the vintage. To reiterate, this sexy Cabernet Sauvignon can be drunk now and over the next 7-8 years. It seems to me that Dick Arrowood, who made these wines, never garnered enough appreciation for his talent with red wines because his early reputation (justifiably) was based on the brilliant Chardonnays, Sauvignon Blancs and late harvest Rieslings made while he was the winemaker at Chateau St. Jean. All three of these Cabernets reflect his overall talent, and are easily living up to their initial potential. Tel. (707) 935-2600; Fax (707) 938-5947