I had another bottle of this tonight.

The nose was fantastic demonstrating dark black currant and cocoa, but also with all kinds of intricate floral and mineral background flavors. The fruits were somewhat subdued on the palate and the oak was a bit more prominent compared to the last bottle, suggesting that the wine may be closing down a bit. It's not quite as good as my last bottle, but it's still a delicious bottle of wine. I think I'll drink the next one a few years from now. Can't wait to place my order for the Single Vineyards.

-Brettay

Brettay;

I hope your order form has already been sent in on the SVD's or you plan on mad faxing all day 3/1/05

California kid,

Got through on the first try this morning just after 8:00/AM. Either I'm lucky or Mark has a few extra fax lines in place. Either way the deed is done!

-Brettay

Brettay;

Good work; I wondered what that fax was I got this morning

No problem I can pick-up your goods

California kid,

Do you charge a fee, for instance 1 bottle of Atlas peak per 6 pack of Vineyard Designates.

-Brettay

Bettay;

You are reading my mind! That would be the toll for you or anyone else needing clandestine shipping

Quiet now I am sampling a bottle of my Bressler shipment.

I should be able to FINALLY try this wine in a couple weeks when we head back to the States for a house-hunting trip. This one or the 2001? Everybody keeps saying the 2002.

i tried this for the 1st time last night. unfortunately i wasn't able to decant as it was a spur of the moment decision to pop, no formal notes, because afterwards we started popping bottles and playing Yahtzee!

dark, brooding coloring... initial blast of sweet cinnamon, maple, vanilla... a Cinnabon! huge, extracted, almost a little sweet & thick... tasted blind i wouldn't not peg this as a cab, dense and layered, interesting to see what this would be like with more air and/or 5 years from now...

after having multiple Neal wines, i'm convinced while approachable young, they aren't what they are meant to be without time, i most likely will never pop a Neal wine again until 5 years or so after vintage (unless it's for someone who's never had a Neal before )

Fairly dark color. Decatend approximately 8 hours. Full bodied. Very primary and fruit forward. blackberry, vanilla, dark fruits. Fairly long finish. Very nice cali-cab and great at this price point.

91-92 points

What's your best guess on the optimal drinking window?

Hard to say. It is pretty approachable with a decant now, if I had to guess 4-5 more years would probably be it.

Thanks. I'll try to be patient.

I love the 02 Cabs. I find the better ones (like this) seem to have both aging ability and lush dark power fruit to enjoy now - that's my kinda vintage , as I like to baby dip every now and then.

The 01's seem to have more grace and purist structure for aging, but can be closed down now for drinking.

I'll drink an 02 Neal ahead of an 01 right now. I agree that you can't get hurt holding the 02's for a while though.

Hunter -- I am also an 02 vintage fan. I think the 01 vintage wines are too tannic to drink young, but you can get away with cracking an 02 early. And, if I'm at a restaurant and must order off the wine list, I will order an 02 before an 01 in most every case.

Sounds like everyone is agreeing.

2002 Neal Family Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley (9/3/2006)
WIML92,PURPLE~91,NOWA,WS91

Tasted September 3, 3006 at home. Opened and splash decanted about 30 minutes before serving in a Spiegelau Authentis Magnum glass. Dark garnet to purple color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Slightly floral nose of mixed berries, cherries, a touch of blueberries, a hint of mocha, a smidge of spice and just a little roasted meat hiding in there. A little tight on the palate, yielding flavors of black cherries, blackberries, sweet cherries and plums. Medium acidity, firm tannins, medium to full bodied. Still a very youthful wine, I’d recommend holding another year before trying again. Based on the direct from winery price of $45.00 a bottle I’d say the value here is recommended. (92 pts.)

2002 Neal Family Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley (9/18/2008)
WIML91

Tasted September 18, 2008.

Opened and decanted about an hour before serving. A little closed early on but finally started to open up around the 2 hour mark in the decanted. Purple color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose of black berries, currants and black cherries. Flavors of black cherries, currants and berries. Medium acidity, medium to firm tannins, medium to full body. Drink now with a decant or continue to hold. Starting to come around. I'd expect this wine to be open for business sometime next year, maybe 2010 at the latest. (91 pts.)