2001 Palmaz Cabernet Sauvignon
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Randy Dunn is the winemaker behind this ambitious project that has resurrected an old historic winery established in 1881 and closed in 1910. Tasted twice, this dark ruby/purple-colored 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon displays a tightly knit nose of loamy soil, black currants, wood, and underbrush. Lacking depth, with a sinewy mouthfeel, this offering would have benefited from more texture, depth, and sweet tannin. Since this is Palmaz’s debut effort, and the ambitions are high, let’s hope the 2002 reveals more depth, breadth, and length. Drink the 2001 over the next 5-6 years. Tel. (707) 226-5587; Fax (707) 251-0873
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Dark ruby-red. Medicinal black cherry and a whiff of band-aid on the nose. Then juicy and primary on the palate, with fruit-driven flavors of tart redcurrant and pomegranate, along with a suggestion of berry skin. Firmly structured if a bit youthfully rigid. I would have picked this as cabernet franc. Finishes with firm, dusty tannins. A rare beast: a Napa cabernet from a ripe year with less than 14% alcohol.