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Generally cool temperatures continued through most of the summer resulting in well-developed flavors in the fruit. Aromas of cassis black cherry cedar and dark chocolate transition to rich expressions of black fruit vanilla and brown spices on the palate as ripe supple tannins linger throughout the extracted and long finish. Put them all together and you have the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve a sensational 14000-case cuvee that is one of the benchmarks for what Napa Valley is capable of achieving. Its dense purple color is followed by copious notes of smoky barbecue creme de cassis white chocolate blackberries charcoal and truffles. Full-bodied fleshy and succulent with sweet tannins in the finish this 2002 has not yet hit full maturity. Give it another 2-4 years of cellaring and drink it over the following two decades. I asked the winemaking team what the final blend was for the 2002 Private Reserve and to the best of their recollection the largest component was from Steinhauer Ranch 50% followed by St. Helena Home Ranch 23% and tiny percentages of Bancroft Rancho del Oso Chabot Marston and some Cabernet Franc from Howell Mountain. Good deep red. Very ripe slightly roasted aromas of sweet fruit pastry and coffee liqueur. Huge and sweet if still a bit monolithic with a wave of plush berry fruit washing over the palate. Finishes with substantial granular tannins and serious palate-staining length. This wine appears to be going through a closed stage today and still needs time in the cellar. Rating: 93+ Points Ed Sbragia blends this wine from a selection of vineyards primarily on Howell Mountain and closer to the winery in St. Helena. On their own these vineyards produce distinctive and ageworthy cabernets; Sbragia’s selections of Chabot Marston and Bancroft are among the top wines in the valley. The Private Reserve often blends away some of those distinctions emphasizing winemaking style instead. To me it often tastes like a well-heeled wine glossy and easy to appreciate. This vintage goes beyond those straightforward charms.