A little hi-pitched burnt rubber has overpowered the still-very-visible dense black cherry. I’m sure it was once briar and spice, and it is still a quite decadent bouquet, but a touch awkward. Cola and peat play hardball, and surprising not much leather and vanilla.

I have several more of these and they need to be dranken RIGHT MEOW. Crazy concentrated in the mouth, a pulpy core of blackberry and tannin remnants and still requiring mastication to dissolve. Not an unpleasant wine, but not a stunning gem either. Still has a ton of strength, but balance is off-kilter and weird things drifting out.

2002 BLACKFORD WINE CO Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 14.5

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