As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Robert Craig Cabernet Club, which started in 2002, we thought it fitting to begin reviewing the current status of our earlier vintages.
Many Club members and other fans of The Craig have some of these vintages in their cellars. This time, we tasted the 2002 and 2003 Affinity, Howell Mountain and Mount Veeder Cabernets at a recent company meeting (who says meetings have to be boring!).
Please keep in mind that wine is a living thing that is changing constantly, so what we experienced may not be precisely what your taste buds tell you. Also, storage conditions are crucial in determining the longevity of any wine.
Here are our comments and suggestions for how long to hold these wines. We'll be back with more tasting notes soon.
Enjoy! ~ Stephen
2002 Affinity Cabernet
Aromas of cocoa powder, cassis, and black plum, along with dusty cherry, black licorice coffee bean and black olive.
Nice entry with bright red fruit still on display along with elements of coffee bean and black licorice on the mid-palate, with fine grained tannins to carry the long finish.
Drink now or hold 1-2 years.
2003 Affinity Cabernet
Rich and complex aromas of black berry, plum and fig. Secondary aromas of crushed rock, sweet vanilla and truffle.
Full-bodied entry with sweet cassis, plum and espresso notes, the palate carries with brightness and energy and remains balanced on the finish.
Drink now or hold 3-5 years.
2002 Mount Veeder Cabernet
Briary blackberry and black currant fruit followed by aromas of crème brulee, dark chocolate and anise.
Silky tannins on the palate along with a touch of black licorice, tobacco and cedar notes finishing with structured yet round tannins.
Drink now or hold up to 3 years.
2003 Mount Veeder Cabernet
Intense, complex aromas with cream soda, baking spice and rich loamy soil to accent the concentrated black currant and cassis fruit.
Rich and layered flavors of black and blue fruits along with cocoa, espresso bean, cream and cola resulting in an expansive and highly structured flavor profile.
Drink now but will hold up another 5-10 years
2002 Howell Mountain Cabernet
Cigar box and exotic wood spice aromas with a bright burst of wild bramble berry and red cherry. Sweet floral elements of violet and rose oil perfume along with cinnamon and baking spices
Complex and rich on the palate with bramble and boysenberry, illustrating flesh yet focused tannins provide definition on the long complex finish.
Drink now or hold up to 3 years.
2003 Howell Mountain Cabernet
Wild mountain flowers, lavender and savory herb with bright sweet red cherry, red currant and crushed rock aromas.
Flavors of fresh red currant, along with briary raspberry and red licorice. Clean acid and tannin balance provides structure, backbone and nerve to augment the sweet and savory flavors.
Drink now or hold up to 5 years.
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