2002 Sloan Proprietary Red Rutherford

WA100 The perfect score does not surprise me since I had given this wine a three-digit rating after bottling. However, I was surprised by how evolved and complex the 2002 has become. Compared to some of the other high-scoring 2002s, Sloan’s offering seems to be on a faster evolutionary track. There is nothing wrong with that, but based on this one bottle, this blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot can be drunk now or cellared for another 10-12 years. …everything is in perfect balance. It offers a dense plum/garnet/purple color, a sweet nose of roasted espresso, chocolate, spring flowers, blackberries, black currants and new saddle leather, an opulent, voluptuous texture, gorgeous, layered flavors, lots of glycerin, sweet, silky tannin and a phenomenal finish. If you own any of this beauty, don’t hesitate to drink it.

WE100 Impossibly aromatic. Hard to imagine greater claret perfume. Shows the most refined mingling of smoky oak, cassis, cherries, roasted coconut macaroon, cocoa puff and spice scents. Absolutely first rate, as good as anything Napa Valley produces. Compellingly, addictively delicious, but so dry and voluptuous. Classic wine, with perfect alignment of fruit, acids, tannins, oak, alcohol, the works. The grapes are from Sloan’s portion of the Sacrashe Vineyard, high above the Silverado Trail in the Vaca Mountains. Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in 100% new French oak. Perfection in a bottle. *Wine Enthusiast Best of 2006*