Serdonis '01, '02, '04 Vertical
Tasted Sunday, October 5, 2008 by Rollerball with 435 views
Introduction
To close out an unforgettable 40th birthday weekend in Sonoma, we decanted three vintages of Serdonis Cabernet for a side-by-side tasting alone, and then with an earthy tomato, herbs, and chicken pasta dish.
2001 Serdonis Cabernet Sauvignon 91 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain
The best of the vertical, the outstanding '01 needed three hours in the decanter (and could have used more) before the significant tannins and alcohol could get out of the way enough to disclose the wonderful scents of ripe melon and bark and its packed, well-rounded flavors. Eventually this cab reveals a shower of well-assembled black cherry and other fruits, and a hint of earthy spearmint and stems, that all veer slightly over-ripe on the finish.
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2002 Serdonis Cabernet Sauvignon 87 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain
The tight, dry 2002 has some sweet fruit to it but, through the course of the night, it never became as pleasurable to drink as the '01 or the '04. The fruit itself is more evenly ripe than the '01 and the profile more feminine, but the overall impression is that the wine is factional and disjointed. Highlights include the killer bouquet and long long finish.
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2004 Serdonis Cabernet Sauvignon Ink Grade Vineyard 90 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain
The '01 and '04 are both real achievements, each in the style of its vintage, and they split the crowd just about evenly. The '04 is drying and tannic, but not quite to the extent of the other two in the vertical. It is definitely the most accessible of the three and the most immediately pleasurable (though the '01 caught up and surpassed it through the course of the night). It has a great nose and beautiful fruit with pleasurably-medicinal raspberries, flowers, and just the right amount of inviting toast.
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