September 6, 2012 – Wine: 2002 Ritchie Creek Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

I bought this wine online nearly six years ago.  One of the tasting notes at the time suggested holding onto this until 2010, but I grew impatient and opened the first of the two bottles by the end of 2007.  At that time, the wine was tannic and tight, so I put a piece of tape around the remaining bottle indicating the wine should be held until 2012.  What a transformation this wine has gone through.  The tannins have softened, but are still prominent.  The body is tending toward elegant.  After two hours open, the fruit finally let go with classic vintage characteristics of red currants, cranberries, leather, lime, and minerals, all woven together with nice balance and a persistent finish.  Double-checking the label confirmed my suspicion that this wine came from the mountain sides of Napa Valley, in this case, Spring Mountain.

2002 Ritchie Creek Cabernet Sauvignon