The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon RBS is one of those utterly profound wines that elicits oohs and aahs. Once you put your nose in the glass, you know you are in the presence of one of the world’s greatest wines. Aromas of pen ink, forest floor, spring flowers, blue and black fruits, sweet camphor and subtle charcoal emerge from this inky/purple-colored, extremely youthful 2002. As it hits the palate, not a component is out of place. The alcohol, acidity, wood and tannin are all perfectly assembled in a masterful presentation of balance, power, finesse, complexity and potential longevity. The wine’s expansiveness, mid-palate depth (which seems like a skyscraper), and the awesome, nearly 60-second long finish are the stuff of wine legend and lore. Forget it for 4-5 years and drink it over the following 25-30 years. When you have extremely conscientious owners (Carol and Fred Schrader) combined with world-class winemaking (Thomas Rivers Brown), and an unimpeachable source for grapes (the first-growth terroir of the Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard), it should not be surprising that outstanding wines are produced. All three of these 100% Cabernet Sauvignon cuvees emerge from that magical tenderloin spot in the Oakville Corridor. You could probably have these three wines on twenty different occasions and reach a different qualitative order, but there is no doubt that any of the wines could be your favorite on any given day - they are that spectacular. During this period, all three were aged in 100% new French oak (which continues), all Darnajou barrels. Tel. (707) 942-1540