2002 Rudd Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown Oakville (USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville)

A five grape Bordeaux styled blend (78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec) hailing from Oakville, this shows some real nice breed and class. Its color shows slightly bricking on the edges. The nose is all Bing cherries and red currant with hints of cassis. The palate shows a deep red fruit leaning profile of the aforementioned Bing cherries and currant, but brings some real nice red raspberries. There is some lead pencil and some tar, with hints of cedar and oak. There is a finely delineated flush mouth feel with tiny hints of ‘gobby’ fruit--very typical of vintage. Tannins are involved and a bit showy with the acidity standing slightly above. A long and perfectly balanced finish. If served blind, I might have called this one Bordeaux today. I think Parker nailed this as it does come across as a Napa version of top-flight Pauillac. It really is a beautifully elegant and classy wine and an expression of Oakville I don’t see too often these days. 91 pts