2002 Rudd "Oakville Estate" Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend

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.