Still firm, backward and atypically youthful for a 2002, Rudd’s blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot displays enormous promise, but it needs to be forgotten for another 3-5 years. Its inky/blue/purple color is followed by notes of graphite, roasted coffee, subtle barbecue smoke, blackberries, blueberries and hints of acacia flowers, ink and camphor. (RP) 94+

Subtle aromas of blackberry, licorice and tarry new oak. Suave and light on its feet, with juicy flavors of blueberry, currant, violet and cedar lifted by minerality from these red soils. A bit more thoroughly ripe and less leafy than the 2002 cabernet, but not quite so fruit-driven. Very dense wine, finishing with substantial, fine tannins that come late, allowing the wine's well-delineated flavors to expand on the palate. Very sophisticated red wine. (ST) 92+

If still slightly constrained by its relative youth in the nose, this bottling shows convincing concentration from the start, and, given a bit of time in the glass, it unfolds nicely to show layers of cassis, black cherries, vanilla and cream. Its rich flavors confirm all of its aromatic promise, and, again, if less than wholly outgoing, it hangs on quite well at the finish.