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This Cabernet Sauvignon is the ultimate expression of our hillside estate in The Stags Leap district. The excitement surrounding the 2001 vintage is of the nearly ideal growing conditions that delivered ripe fruit with great depth and varietal character. This is reflected in a glass of our 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine exhibits great density and a dark, ruby color. Focused aromas of ripe blueberry and blackberry mingle with notes of mocha, nutmeg, and wet stone. The tannins are forward, but not aggressive, providing a sturdy framework on which this wine will age for years to come. This wine offers power and elegance, and should continue to evolve for 10-15 years.

The 2002 growing season was superb, with relatively cool temperatures, and several well-timed heat spikes that pushed ripening. The weather, our unique hillside location, and aging in new French oak barrels ensured dark, rich color and fully ripe flavors for our Cabernet Sauvignon. The premiere offering from our estate vineyard is a multi-layered, deep, ripe wine with plenty of complexity and generosity. Intense aromas of blackberries, currants, and cassis and fig rise up from the glass, marrying with notes of clove, incense, and smoke. The mouth feel is equally as generous, coating the palate with full but soft tannins, and flavors of ripe berries and black cherry. The sensation lingers on the palate, with a classic contribution of French oak and layers of spice and jammy fruit. This wine is approachable now, but will continue to gain complexity and grace with age.

Nearly ideal growing conditions in 2001 delivered fruit of exceptional quality, with richness and depth, ripe tannins, and subtle nuance. The Hartwell Estate Merlot was no exception. These characters follow through to the finished wine. Aromas of ripe blueberry and rasberry predominate, mingling with notes of dried sage, anis and acacia flower. On the palate, the wine offers flavors of fresh ripe berries, creme de cassis, vanilla and smoke. Aged for 18 months in French and American oak, the tannins are silky and supple, leading to a long, soft finish of lingering spice and fruit. This wine is a true expression of Stags Leap Merlot, which will continue to gain complexity in the bottle.

Ripe blackberries, smoke, flint and butterscotch are the first aromas to jump from the glass when tasting the 2002 Merlot. This dark, alluring wine continues to open, revealing notes of cherries, cream and caramel. All of these complex characters follow through to the palate. Bright acidity gives the wine freshness and vivacity. Tannins are present, but full and round. The ripe fruit, smoke and butterscotch flavors and aromas are persistent in the long finish.

The 2002 Miste Hill is a blend of primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, which n this vintage achieved superb ripeness, softness and depth of color. Merlot is blended in to add luster andpolish the wine and a small amount of Petit Verdot is added to bring an earthy, mineral complexity to the blend. Deep, penetrating aromas of ripe blueberries, anise and sage are very inviting. On the palate, the wine is rich and full, with generous notes of licorice, cassis and earth. While the ripe fruit is evident, it is merely a framework for the many layers that make up this complex wine.

Our proprietary "Miste valley" blend clearly showcases the depth of the 2001 vintage, which was marked by a long, nearly ideal growing season. The wine shows great depth of color, richness and subtlety of flavor. In the glass, aromas of super-ripe rasberry, plum and orange liquer emerge. On the palate, the wine shows great balance, delicacy, and nuance of flavor. The ripe fruit character is enhanced by notes of baking spices and exotic woods. The texture is round and polished, and all of these great notes linger on the finish. We aged our Miste Valley for approximately 20 months in new French and American Oak. Although this wine is very accessible now it should cellar beautifully for 8-12 years.