2002 Neal Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Chafen

Community Tasting Notes (30) Avg Score: 90.4 points

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  11/4/2022 - Jtrivasi wrote: 89 Points

  I bought this wine as part of a six pack upon release (6 single vineyard cabernets) that came with a very nice cherry wood box. I've held them in professional storage ever since, but after reading so many reviews, I decided it's probably not worth holding any longer. So I popped open the '02 Chafen, and my notes are somewhat similar to others'. The tannins have (or are going to) outlasted the fruit. There is still good fruit and secondary notes that come from an aged cabernet, but the astringent tannins are most noticeable.
  I drank this over 3 nights, and assumed it would be dead by the 2nd night since I just put the cork back in. But surprisingly, it drank just as well the 2nd night, and it was a little diminished on the 3rd night.
  If stored properly, this is still a good cabernet, but with the strength of the tannins, it would pair well with a fatty main course. Try with a ribeye, or a piece of wagyu beef. There's enough fruit (and leather notes) to make it a good pairing. No need to age further.

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  4/4/2021 - AllRed wrote: 89 Points

  Decanted off its sediment and served thirty minutes later with steaks. Black currant and leather tones on the nose and palate. The palate is a bit astringent and the tannins have outlasted the fruit. Better with food than on its own. Domino liked this a couple of points more than I.

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  2/21/2020 - au96alum Likes this wine: 90 Points

  It was good for 2 hours but dies there after...this 18 year old wine is past its prime...if you have this in your cellar, open it now and drink within first 1.5 hours.

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  7/10/2015 - dsimmons Likes this wine: 95 Points

  Give this bottle about an hour to come together and then enjoy. This beautiful cab was drinking at or near peak. I would say if you have this wine drink now or in the next few years. Big nose of dark fruits and earthy notes. On the palate layered flavors of dark fruits, smoke, graphite, licorice and smoke. Everything is integrated into a smooth, hedonistic wine. Almost all of the single vineyard Neal wines that I have had have been top rate.

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  6/26/2012 - fisk15 wrote: 89 Points

  Pretty tannic still, I don't know if the fruit will outlast the tannin.

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