2002 Etude Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford
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Tasting notes
The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford, which also comes from the Cohn Vineyard, displays sweet cedary notes intermixed with kirsch, black currant, spicy oak and damp earth. This is a beautifully made wine, elegant yet powerful, rich, full-bodied and opulent, with some slight tannin to shed in the finish. It should hit its peak in another 3-4 years and last for up to 15. These are two impressive wines from Tony Soter, who still consults from time to time at Beringer, but is ensconced in Oregon, making wonderful sparkling wines and Oregon Pinot Noir. Tel. (877) 586-9361
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Ruby-red. Cassis, blackberry, tar, lead pencil, eucalyptus and a whiff of band-aid on the nose. Cooler and less dense than the St. Helena example, with a stronger mint and herbal component, along with a flavor of bitter chocolate. Here, too, the tannins are a bit youthfully tough. This is from a blend of 40- and 60-year-old vines, according to Soter.