Vine Hill Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon

This was served during my annual WWC hosting. Typical format of sparkler, three whites, four reds, one dessert, all served blind.

My goal was to compare this 2003 next to the 2003 Pichon Baron. I’ve had the 2002 Mondavi VHR a few times and have been floored how good they’ve been. Read a review from WA and it said the 2002 was a spitting image of the 2002 Pichon Baron, so I figured I’d see if the 2003 was worthy of the same comparison.

Decanted an hour. Whoa! Much more Bordeaux like than the ‘02, and a touch lighter. Mushroom, pipe tobacco and fig, with mineral/graphite note on the nose too. Mocha dusted red and black berries, currant, herbs and saddle leather. At the end of the lunch, this eventually turned to a more resolved (and deeper core of fruit) with the tannins integrating beautifully. Really enjoyable. Pop and enjoy.

Yum, day one has eucalyptus on the finish, day two more in line with our CA Cabernet (100%) expectations.

P&P 👍🏼
My first Mondavi that didn’t need hours of air.

Drinking very beautifully

My first 10! The smoothest cab sauv I have tasted. Perfect 10.

Dark fruit smoothiness. Balanced tannins.

2002 still a bit green. Tobacco and leather.

Old viney.

Cooked. HUGE bummer.

Fantastic, complex $135 at the winery.