2002 Collier Falls Hillside Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Mission Codename: Home & History
Operative: Agent White
Objective: Secure a limited allocation of a library Cabernet from our new friends at Collier Falls.
Mission Status: Accomplished!
Current Winery: Collier Falls
Wine Subject: 2002 Hillside Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Backgrounder:
The Dry Creek Valley across the Russian River from Alexander Valley has a generally cooler and wetter climate which makes the growing season longer and more flexible than neighboring appellations. This is an area best known for producing rather incredible Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Merlot as well as other red varietals.
Today’s limited release Cabernet selection is 97% Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Estate Cabernet Franc & Petit Verdot and was aged for 22 months in French oak barrels after an extended fermentation and maceration.
Wine Spies Tasting Profile:
Look – Dark and beautiful garnet with a dense but clear heart. Along the edges the color shines through a deep garnet and when swirled, this wine leaves alternating fast thin legs as well as slower slightly thinker legs on the side of the glass. Some sediment settles on the cork and in the glass.
Smell – Ripe and rich blackberry, cassis and a distinct red and black cherry aroma are framed by cedar cigar box, toasted and smokey notes and soft developed spice. Soft notes of black licorice, green herbal and pepper and earth adds to the complex and fruit forward nose of this wine.
Feel – Rich, smooth and warm on the palate with finely textured and developed tannins leading the way and followed by a touch of minerality and acidity that lingers on the tongue.
Taste – Rich, ripe and generous cassis, cherry and other dark fruit linger with the cedar box and other wood aromas found on the nose. The black licorice, green herbs, spice and earth meld with notes of bittersweet chocolate.
Finish – Medium in length and clean with the fruit fading first followed by the other complex flavors. The finely textured tannins and mineral feel linger for quite a bit longer as just hints of the fruit cling on the tongue.
Conclusion – The 2002 Collier Falls Hillside Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is rich, plush and smooth wine that is drinking very well right now. If your a fan of plush Cabernet then this wine is a perfect choice at an unbelievable price. A great wine for burgers, tips or skirt steak. Enjoy this wine right now or cellar for the next couple years, but don’t wait too long, this wine is hitting its strive right now. Be sure to let this wine fully open to reveal all its aromas and flavors.
Wine Spies Vineyard Check:
Collier Falls wines can be tasted at the Family Wineries of Dry Creek Tasting Room and can be seen in this satellite photo.