2001 Atalon Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
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Tasting notes
The most backward, long distance runner is the 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon (98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Merlot from Mt. Veeder, Keyes, Stagecoach, Atlas Peak and Beckstoffer vineyards). Its dense purple color is followed by notes of blueberry pie interwoven with creme de cassis, licorice and spring flowers. Full-bodied, structured, tannic, pure and still youthful, give it another 2-3 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 15-20 years. These wines were made by the ever reliable, under-the-radar winemaker, Thomas Peffer. Tel. (800) 224-4090; Fax (707) 942-1167
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Full medium ruby. Briary blackberry and violet on the nose. Intensely flavored but a bit stubbornly withdrawn today, with notes of flowers, licorice and loam. Comes across as youthfully bitter-edged today, finishing with mouthclenching tannins and a faint greenness.
Good full medium ruby. Ripe, aromatic nose combines black cherry, violet, dark chocolate and coffee. Nicely dense and layered; very ripe without being at all over the top. Rather claret-like notes of currant, tobacco and loam, with a restrained sweetness. Finishes with firm, building tannins and very good length. (I was not shown the 2000 cabernet.)