April 19, 2015 - In its Autumn years now, with subtle tertiary nuances on the nose and palate. Nothing exciting, and in the middle of the pack on the 'interesting' scale, too, but it manages a beam of purity and character that's always there to comfort you. This will likely drink 'ok' for another few years, but there's no point in waiting as it's not getting any better from here. Fully resolved and mature, this is medium-bodied with above-average balance; equal amounts of red and blue fruits on a loamy bed of earth. 14,5% abv (drank more like 13,5), drink thru 2018.
Auodozed 3 hours, served non-blind. Last glass was the best.
September 3, 2012 - Very good right now
September 2, 2012 - Lovely, supple texture, cocoa flavors, beautifully balanced, harmonious and delicious
September 28, 2011 - Very good.
April 18, 2011 - Flickinger Wines Ten Years After Tasting: 2001 USA Cabernets and Blends (Their store in Wilmette, IL): After taste muted alcohol, rasberry lizueor, very hot/bordeaux flavor, merlot, ranked 2, group 3
July 10, 2010 - Popped and poured, kept developing over 2 hours. Really delicious right now. Plum cherry attack with slight herbal notes, chocolate, tightly curled tannins. Terrific acid balance. Only flow is short length but in a great spot to open.
February 18, 2010 - Classic Fred.
January 16, 2010 - Slightly disjointed on pop and pour but came around after 2+ hours.
December 14, 2009 - Just absolutely great stuff that continues to get better with age. Needs an hour or so to open up. Liquid velvet.
March 23, 2009 - In the past I have waxed poetic about Fred's Cabs. This wine was <$40.00 and it stacks up favorably with wines costing double and more.
Deep, dark and plum colored. Nose of plum, cassis and loam. The mouth feel is just silk (or as Babs would say "butta"). Rolls across your tongue and urges another taste. Cherries, berries, kirsch and a hint of oak. Just seemless. Looong finish.
This wine is much better than my first bottle two years ago. It was good but disjointed then...the complete package now.
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