Where is the 2004 still seems youthful, the 2002 seems to be mature. Dark, dark red with bricking at the rim. Busting and mature aromatics of roasted plum, currants, blackberry, and wet earth. Very big, ripe/jammy and sweet in the mouth, with a broad and heavy, almost clumsy presence. Lacks the polish of the 2004 and could use a touch more acidity to lift the wine; however, still an excellent bottle.
Another excellent Ruston. While this doesn't have the fruit of the 2002, nor the structure and poise of the 2004, it was certainly an excellent bottle. This initially opens thin, oaky, and heavy on the alcohol, but fleshes out over a few hours showing lots of mulled plum juice, blackberry, cranberry, raspberry, cedary oak, and a hint of roasted herbs. Good concentration and balance in the mouth, with an admirable, and balanced finish, albeit with a touch of heat. Excellent, but clearly the 2004 is the superstar of the vertical. Regardless, I'd bet on this bottle improving over the next two or three years, as there was good structure with plenty of tannins to unwind.
Exceptional wine. Brilliant nose of cranberry, blackberry, cassis, oak, a touch of basil and oregano. Incredible on the palate. Right from the initial attack, a special bottle, showing similar nuance, with an additional note of celery salt; this is one of the most focused wines I've tasted. Big tannins, dry fruit, generous oak treatment without feeling overdone. Feels huge, yet it's supremely elegant, with incredible structure and an extremely long finish, which saturates the tongue with layers and layers of fruit, toasty oak, and earth. Wow.
2002 Ruston Family Cabernet Sauvignon Stagecoach Vineyard 89 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
Where is the 2004 still seems youthful, the 2002 seems to be mature. Dark, dark red with bricking at the rim. Busting and mature aromatics of roasted plum, currants, blackberry, and wet earth. Very big, ripe/jammy and sweet in the mouth, with a broad and heavy, almost clumsy presence. Lacks the polish of the 2004 and could use a touch more acidity to lift the wine; however, still an excellent bottle.
Drink now. 89 -JRS
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2003 Ruston Family Cabernet Sauvignon Stagecoach Vineyard 89 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
Another excellent Ruston. While this doesn't have the fruit of the 2002, nor the structure and poise of the 2004, it was certainly an excellent bottle. This initially opens thin, oaky, and heavy on the alcohol, but fleshes out over a few hours showing lots of mulled plum juice, blackberry, cranberry, raspberry, cedary oak, and a hint of roasted herbs. Good concentration and balance in the mouth, with an admirable, and balanced finish, albeit with a touch of heat. Excellent, but clearly the 2004 is the superstar of the vertical. Regardless, I'd bet on this bottle improving over the next two or three years, as there was good structure with plenty of tannins to unwind.
Drink now or hold. 89+ -JRS
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2004 Ruston Family Cabernet Sauvignon Stagecoach Vineyard 94 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
Exceptional wine. Brilliant nose of cranberry, blackberry, cassis, oak, a touch of basil and oregano. Incredible on the palate. Right from the initial attack, a special bottle, showing similar nuance, with an additional note of celery salt; this is one of the most focused wines I've tasted. Big tannins, dry fruit, generous oak treatment without feeling overdone. Feels huge, yet it's supremely elegant, with incredible structure and an extremely long finish, which saturates the tongue with layers and layers of fruit, toasty oak, and earth. Wow.
Drink now or hold. 94+ -JRS
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