<p>Aromas of raspberries and plums rise up in the glass, followed by rosemary and allspice. The palate is filled with similar kinds of sensations like black cherry, black berry, blueberry and candied orange peel.</p><p><strong>88 Points, Wine Spectator:</strong></p><p>&quot;A dense, chewy, earthy style that shows off rich pencil lead, currant, earth and mocha flavors. Clamps down on the finish, where it flexes its tannins and reveals a cedary oak flavor. Best from 2004 through 2010. 18,500 cases made. &ndash;JL&quot; (8/31/2002)</p><p><strong>85 Points, Wine Enthusiast:</strong></p><p>&quot;The anticipation of opening a Stag&rsquo;s Leap Cabernet is always high, which is perhaps unfair. But there it is. This wine disappoints. Blackberry flavors sit next to leaner, herbal ones, and the tannins are dry and aggressive. But acidity is low and it feels gooey in the mouth. May mellow with some cellaring. &mdash; S.H.&quot; (11/15/2002)</p>

This Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve was aged for approximately 24 months in small French oak barrels, approximately 50% new. Brittan chose barrels from four coopers to add complexity and layers of flavor to the wine. Oak brings structure and concentration, says Brittan, and a softening of tannins. This wine is big on fruit, rich and long in the mouth. It carries aromas of strawberries and raspberries, with notes of sun-dried tomatoes, plums and brambles. To me, the wine is powerful in its subtlety...an excellent expression of the terroir typical of the Stags' Leap Winery estate.

Rating: 90/100 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator on 12/15/02.

Rating for United States-California: 88 (average year)<br/><br/>Drinkability: too young, let it sit<br/>