Three Blind Mice -- Etude Vertical Cab Tasting

Steve Starke's
Tasted Friday, June 4, 2010 by windypinot with 509 views

Introduction

Double blind tasting of three vintages of Etude Cabernet Sauvignon; 2000-2002
2000:
SS: medicinal, dusty, slight watery edge, lighter than 2001; thin, dried plums, cherry ludens (89)
KG: Heavy nose of violets and dust. Soft and mellow; not much of a palate and short finish (86)
MW: lighter than '01; floral nose; less depth, menthol, not much of a finish, opened up after it had some time in the glass (89)

2001
KG: black cherry and a hint of chocolate on the nose; a hint of dust; well structured and still a bit young with still noticeable tannin (but not offensive) (90+)
MW: licorice, chocolate, tannings are present with good balance; great depth (92)
SS: dense ruby purple + youth; plum jam, slight heat, great weight, tannins, leather, warm (92+)

2002
SS: slightly menthol, balanced fruit = elegant; few tannins (90)
MW: floral nose; more of a varietal blend; more straightforward; no surprises with this wine (90)
KG: tart and a bit short; not much structure (84)

Flight 1 (3 Notes)

  • 2000 Etude Cabernet Sauvignon 89 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Decanted for two hours before tasting vertical of 2000-2002 blind; nose has floral notes, lighter body than '01; menthol mixed in with berries and plum on the mouth; softer than the 2001, but more intriging than the 2000; improved as it sat in the glass

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  • 2002 Etude Cabernet Sauvignon 90 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    more straightforward than the 2000 and 2001; balanced fruit; well made, albeit unspectacular wine; tannins seem to be fading; drink up now

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  • 2001 Etude Cabernet Sauvignon 92 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    great nose; licorice and chocolate notes; tannins are still there, but not overwhelming; great depth on the wine with a long life left ahead of this wine

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Closing

2001 was the clear cut winner of the tasting; had the most depth and balance and has a lot of life left in it. 2000 and 2002 are close, but the 2000 finished in second place on all three ballots; just a more interesting wine than the relatively perfunctory 2002
MW: 1. 2001 (92) 2. 2002 (90) 3. 2000 (89)
SS: 1. 2001 (92+) 2. 2002 (90) 3. 2000 (90)
KS: 1. 2001 (90+) 2. 2000 (86) 3. 2002 (84)

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