Rudd Oakville Estate Proprietary Red 2001

The 2001 Oakville Estate Proprietary Red (1,950 cases of primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Malbec and Petit Verdot) exhibits an inky/purple/black color. This huge, powerful, deep, rich 2001 reveals telltale, big, sweet, chocolatey, espresso, blackberry, cassis aromas as well as massive flavors that ooze across the palate with great richness, purity, and equilibrium. The wine’s wonderful sweetness is due to the full phenolic ripeness and elevated glycerin. High tannin is well-concealed by the extravagant richness of this brilliant effort. Drink 2006–2020.

The 2001 Oakville Estate Proprietary Red (1,950 cases of primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Malbec and Petit Verdot) exhibits an inky/purple/black color. This huge, powerful, deep, rich 2001 reveals telltale, big, sweet, chocolatey, espresso, blackberry, cassis aromas as well as massive flavors that ooze across the palate with great richness, purity, and equilibrium. The wineandrsquo;s wonderful sweetness is due to the full phenolic ripeness and elevated glycerin. High tannin is well-concealed by the extravagant richness of this brilliant effort. Drink 2006andndash;2020.

A superb although closed offering is the 2002 Proprietary Estate wine from Oakville, a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot, and 1% Malbec. Aged 20 months in oak, this dark ruby/purple-colored wine displays a distinctive perfume reminiscent of a top-notch Graves. Aromas of scorched earth, tobacco leaf, black currants, and blueberries are accompanied by a striking minerality, high tannins and a certain austerity, which suggest considerable aging potential for this wine, which is concentrated with a certain exuberance and unctuosity but firm structure. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025.

Supple, with complex currant, anise, mineral, herb and sage flavors that are well-defined, adding hints of espresso and fresh earth. The tannins are ripe and fine-grained and the finish reveals extra dimensions of depth and complexity. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2012.

Good medium ruby. Subtle aromas of blackberry, licorice and tarry new oak. Suave and light on its feet, with juicy flavors of blueberry, currant, violet and cedar lifted by minerality from these red soils. A bit more thoroughly ripe and less leafy than the 2002 cabernet, but not quite so fruit-driven. Very dense wine, finishing with substantial, fine tannins that come late, allowing the wine's well-delineated flavors to expand on the palate. Very sophisticated red wine.

An incredible effort, this wine offers both power and style; highly extracted yet smooth and well-balanced, this is one of the vintage’s top wines; excellent with a Porterhouse steak.