Highlights: Gallo of Sonoma Frei Ranch Vineyard Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Pleasantly surprised by this older Californian Cabernet.
Gallo of Sonoma Frei Ranch Vineyard Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma, California
13.8% alcohol. At almost 25 years old, it’s great to be able to try this wine in its maturity. It’s still very much alive. Aromatic with spice-laden blackcurrant fruit on the nose. There’s a bit of sweet oak here (it spent 24 months in barrel), but also lots of fruit, and some dried herbs and a bit of lift. Nicely evolved. In the mouth this is fresh and concentrated with sweet berry and blackcurrant fruit, some sweet acidity, a touch of orange peel and some chalky, gravelly, woody savoury notes. There’s also a hint of cooked tomato. It reminds me of some of the great old Hunter reds that aged beautifully, but had some citrus/acid notes sticking out a bit at the end, giving a juicy character. Very stylish, still structured, still plenty of fruit, and drinking very well now. 93/100
