2002 Archipel Winery Sonoma County California. $39.99, Beekmans, Glen Rock. Screwcap!
Deep red color, deep hue, lovely Cabernet aormas and tastes with smoke, chocolate, and a dried fruit component, medium mouth feel, excellent balance of very good tannins and a light acidity, just a hint of oakiness, not at all off putting, long finish with layers of flavors. Probably won't develop much further, but should drink very well for some time. 4*. Light EGA.
Winery: http://www.archipelwines.com/ Rather than limit our sourcing to specific vineyards, or even a defined American Viticultural Appellation (AVA), we choose for the Mayacamas Mountain Range to define Archipel. For each vintage our winemaking team selects Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc fruit from a collection of Estate-owned vineyards located in several wine growing appellations across the Mayacamas Mountain Range.
The 2002 vintage represents a blend of hand-picked, hand-sorted Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc fruit. Vibrant blackberry and black cherry fruit accompany a whisper of vanilla and a hint of smoke like that from an open fire. The lush, almost sensual mouthfeel is followed by a long, evolving finish.
Production Statistics
Appellations: 94% Sonoma County, 6% Napa County
Final Blend: 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec
Aged: 14 months in French and American oak barrels
Alcohol: 14.2%
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