A very strong showing for this wine, which is the quintessential Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, with loads of earthy soil undertones intermixed with sweet kirsch and black currant fruit. Some underbrush notes interwoven with forest floor and black currants hit the palate with resounding authority, yet retain their elegance and finesse in this medium to full-bodied wine, which is approaching full maturity. It should continue to drink well for another 15 or more years. (RP)

A wonderful orchestration of ripe fruit. Smooth, rich and harmonious, with layers of plum, wild berry, blackberry, black olive and spice. Tightly focused, with a fleshy texture, layers of complexity and depth and a long, persistent finish that keeps you coming back for another sip. (JL)

The 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, is very clearly the product of the era in which it was made. Inky and deeply extracted, the 2001 saturates the palate with copious blackberry jam, chocolate, spice and sweet oak from the 100% new barrels used at the time. The 2001 is not an especially elegant or nuanced wine, but it has aged well and has another decade of life ahead of it, maybe more. (AG)