2002 Cabernet Blend, Diamond Mountain District
Publication
Robert M. Parker Jr.'s The Wine Advocate
Author
Robert Parker
Date
December 1, 2003
Rating
92-95
Review
The 2002 Diamond Mountain District Young Vines Proprietary Red is a powerhouse, but also extraordinarily elegant and well-delineated. Aromas of smoke, creosote, chocolate, espresso roast, cedar, tobacco, and black fruits galore cascade from the glass of this full-bodied, concentrated, powerful 2002. Still unevolved and primary, this knock-out offering should be more exuberant and forward than the 2001, but qualitatively its equivalent. It will have a good upside of 15 or more years. Get on the bandwagon as David Ramey is on top of his game.
Publication
Robert M. Parker Jr.'s The Wine Advocate
Author
Robert Parker
Date
February 1, 2005
Rating
95
Review
The dense purple-tinged 2002 Diamond Mountain District Young Vines offers rich, sumptuous aromas of burning embers, smoke, blackberries, currants, and a gravel-like hot rock component interwoven with licorice and earth. Supple-textured and full-bodied, with more flamboyance and accessibility than the more muscular 2001, it will drink well for 8-14 years.
Publication
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Author
Stephen Tanzer
Date
May/June 04
Rating
91-94
Review
Deep ruby. Big, rich nose combines chocolate, game and roasted herbs. Deep and liqueur-like, with extravagant chocolate and spice flavors. Broad and plush but classically dry. Finishes with suave, building tannins and excellent spine.
Publication
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Author
Stephen Tanzer
Date
May/June 05
Rating
93
Review
Deep, saturated ruby-red. Roasted plum, black raspberry, dark chocolate, tar, licorice and meat on the nose; simultaneously shows a port-like character and a medicinal austerity. Lusher and sweeter than the Claret, with palate-coating flavors of blackberry, blueberry and truffle. "A wine of irrational exuberance," notes Ramey. Finishes very long, with mouthcoating tannins and a ripeness verging on roasted.
Publication
Wine Spectator
Author
James Laube
Date
February 28, 2005
Rating
92
Review
Smooth, rich and fleshy, this is a notably complex and concentrated youngster, with a tasty core of ripe currant, black cherry, cedar, olive and sage notes that are well-focused, ending with a complex aftertaste. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Best from 2006 through 2012. 1,330 cases made.