2002 Ladera Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain

Community Tasting Notes (30) Avg Score: 91.6 points

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  9/20/2019 - Somm David T Likes this wine: 94 Points

  It has been awhile since my last 02 Ladera Howell Mountain and this is my last bottle.
  
  This bottle is even better than my last six years ago. The fruits shine brighter. The structure & slight alcohol heat is even bigger than memory.
  
  The one thing I adore about good Howell Mountain producers is the mix of purple fruits and the amazing beautiful blue fruits that follow.
  
  The nose reveals, bright, ripe, slightly candied & hot; blackberries, black cherries, black plum,black raspberries, mixed purple fruits, blueberries, hints of dry cranberries and poached strawberries. Anise to black licorice, mid red cola, dry crushed rocks, steeped fruit teas, limestone minerals, alluvial soils, saddle-wood, soft leather, hints of fresh tobacco leaf, light; dark spice, clove, nutmeg & vanillin. Touch of cooked, green bell pepper with fresh, slightly candied, dark, red, blue flowers with violets.
  
  The 02 vintage is peaking. The body is just full. The structure, tension, length and balance are in perfect harmony. Tannins are 55-60% resolved. She is a beauty on the palate. Somewhat candied & ripe; blackberries, black cherries, black plum, black raspberries, mixed purple fruits, blueberries, hints of dry cranberries and poached strawberries. Anise to black licorice, mid red cola, dry crushed rocks, mid dark spices, steeped fruit teas, dark expresso roast, limestone minerals, dry crushed rocks, alluvial soils, dark, rich, moist soil, saddle-wood, soft leather, hints of fresh tobacco leaf, light; dark spice, clove, nutmeg & vanillin. Dark chocolate, mocha, milk chocolate, salted caramel, touch of cooked, green bell pepper, mint with fresh, slightly candied, dark, red, blue flowers with violets and lavender. The acidity is perfect...in the range of cool rain shower. The long finish is; ripe, well balanced, delicious and persists nicely for several minutes.

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  2/11/2017 - Hbgsurgeon wrote: 93 Points

  So delicious. Always cellared at 57 degrees. So glad I have more of these beauties.

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  4/10/2016 - stockshooter Likes this wine: 93 Points

  Decanted & drank over 3+hrs .. opened up after 1hr+ and got better throughout.
  
  Lots of sediment as well as sediment etched on the bottle, probably due its age.
  
  Nose is full of berries, cherries, lots of dark fruit ... Palate is full on fruit (not quite a fruit bomb) .. a bit of tannin left after 3hrs but drinking at its best 3hrs+ in ... 15.4% alcohol could be a factor ?
  
  Similar as the Dunn 2002 Howell Mountain, just not a fruity.
  
  Paired with grilled pork & pineapple, along with fried rice.
  
  Great bottle .. unfortunately the only one! Thanks to my store in Saginaw for having this years ago!
  
  Final score ... 93 ...

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  7/12/2015 - Hbgsurgeon wrote: 93 Points

  Still drinking great! Yum.

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  5/8/2014 - StainedGlass wrote: 90 Points

  Dark garnet. Soft, ripe and forward but drinking well now. Nice integrated tannins. Not as big as its 15.4% abv would indicate.

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