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SOME 2001 BEAUTIES FROM THE OAKVILLE APPELLATION
The 2001 vintage for Napa and Sonoma Valley red wine is outstanding, as predicted in my initial evaluation two years ago. It will rival the 1991, 1994 and 1997 vintages, the best of the 1990s. The wines below were tasted in late March 2004. Some have not yet been released. The 2001 vintage is a great self-exploration vintage with lots of relatively inexpensive, yummy red wines. It’s a BITI (buy-it-and-try-it) vintage! ALL wines are Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley, Oakville appellation, unless otherwise stated. F refers to fruit, and E refers to end or finish (see CNFATE). 2001 Turnbull Red Wine: very rich, F4 to 4+, E4. 2001 Turnbull Merlot: Tasty; try again in one year; F3+, E3. 2001 Screaming Eagle: Big and tannic with incredible potential; unique qualities apparent; needs years of cellaring to reach its apogee; re-evaluate in 2 years. 2001 Hoopes Vineyard: Tannic finish, but big fruit; wait and re-evaluate in one year; could be good. 2001 Plumpjack: Rich with nice mouth-feel; F4, E4. 2001 Skowket: a bit fruity as opposed to complex; good, but not overwhelming; F3+, E3. 2001 Swanson Alexis (estate red wine): Big, lush wine; great potential; E4+; 95+ points. 2001 Swanson Merlot: nice juice; F4-, E4-; good to excellent potential. 2001 Detert Family Vineyard, Cabernet Franc: Interesting in a good way; lacks richness on the finish; F3+, E3. 2001 Rudd Estate: Balanced yet rich; soft tannins; very tasty; F4-4+, E4-4+; excellent potential; watch this one. 2001 Dalle Valle: Big and rich with a tannic finish; very concentrated; outstanding potential; F4+, E4+. 2001 Vine Cliff: Big and tannic; may balance with time; good potential; F4, E3+-4-. 2001 Franciscan Oakville Estate, Magnificant: Tasty but slightly thin on finish; good quality at a reasonable price? F3+, E3+. 2001 Venge Family Reserve Merlot: A very tasty merlot; F4-, E4-.
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Contact: alchemist@wineperspective.com
The Alchemist's Wine Perspective™ |