Raymond 2001 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, St Helena

This was a phenomenal wine. I got to take an opened bottle home after an industry tasting and after two days it was amazing. An opened bottle can give you a glimpse at what the wine will age into and this one showed great promise. The nose showed vanilla, cedar, and pencil shavings from the barrel and good varietal character of violets, potpourri, and leather with dark berry undertowns. In the mouth the tannins were soft and gave a long rich finish with a coffee mocha aftertaste. All of this wrapped up in a beautiful, deep, garnet purple makes me give it an A. The price at about ~$35 isn't too bad for a St. Helena Cab either.

Yes, this is the Napa Valley Label not the St. Helena label, which is the wine that I had. Its the best that I could do.