Vintage Reviews 1993 through 2001

These profound mountainside 100% estate grown Cabernets are known for their incredible aromas, full-bodied richness, perfect balance and lingering finish. As rare, handcrafted wines they have become collector's items. The '93 through the '04 vintages have all received scores in the 90's. Robert Parker has named Clark~Claudon Vineyards as one of California's finest producers of Cabernet Sauvignon.

2003	...Hints of black loam and green olive amidst the ripe, sweet black cherry and curranty fruit. Nicely balanced with a fair dose of tannins and the promise that better will come with bottle age, this is one that can be hidden away with confidence, Connoisseurs Guide 91 points
2002	From lower Howell Mountain, this 100% Cab has big time tannins and tremendous authority. It is slightly rustic now, with an edgy feel, but the core of ripe Cabernet fruit suggests that it will blossom and improve by 2008, and then hold until at least 2015. —Wine Enthusiast, Cellar Selection 91 Points
2001	"Reminiscent of a great vintage of Chateau Margaux, Clark-Claudon's 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate boasts notes of flowers, graphite, black currants, raspberries, and plums. This tannic, backward 2001 possesses a Bordeaux-like structure as well as a deep, rich, full-bodied personality. Still playing it close to the vest, give it 3-4 more years of bottle age and drink it over the following two decades." 92+ points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, February 2005
2000	"This winery has not missed a beat since its debut vintage, and their 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon, from a difficult year, is outstanding. A dense ruby/purple color is accompanied by sweet aromas of blueberries, blackberries, and hints of minerals, graphite, and spice box. Supple-textured and elegant with a rich, long, medium to full-bodied finish, it will drink effortlessly for 10-12 years." 90 points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, December 2003
1999	Another brilliant effort from this up-and coming Napa estate, Clark-Claudon's 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits an opaque blue/purple color, and a sweet perfume of minerals, blue as well as black fruits. Medium to full-bodied, it possesses outstanding purity in addition to well-integrated tannin, acidity, and wood. Vintages to date have blended grace, power and subtlety, resulting in extremely impressive Cabernets. More over, they are built to last. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2022." 92+ points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, August 2002 885 cases produced
1998	If the '98 was a spotty vintage Clark~Claudon Vineyard must have been in the right spot! "An incredible 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon…an opaque purple color is accompanied by a fabulous bouquet of blackberries and cassis intermixed with camphor and new wood. This beautifully balanced, rich, full bodied Cabernet is a model of symmetry and purity. A seamless classic, it can be drunk now or cellared for another 15+ years. " 94 points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, June 2002, 886 cases produced
1997	"A full load of berry fruit in the bouquet, black currant flavors and extremely even balance... 92 points", Wine Enthusiast November 2000
1997	The 1997 simply said is a magnificent wine. Brilliant garnet with magenta edges, the wine coats the glass leaving enticingly long legs. One deep breath fills you with layers of dark berries, dried cherries, earthy smoke and cedar with hints of spicy pepper and cassis and an undertone of dark chocolate. " Full bodied and impressively built this deep, powerful, concentrated Cabernet begs for cellaring. Anticipated maturity 2005-2020. Bravo 92+ points" Wine Advocate June 2000, 480 cases produced.
1996	"A brilliant successor to the 1995, dark purple color, followed by classic Bordeaux-like bouquet of cassis, lead pencil and smoky new oak. A wine of considerable complexity and elegance, with outstanding purity, richness and nicely integrated wood and tannin.. Can be drunk early or cellared for 15+ years. Impressive!" 93 points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, August 1999 404 cases produced.
1995	"Another limited production (300 cases) wine made from a vineyard on the eastern side of Howell Mountain, this brilliantly made Cabernet suggests this winery knows what to do with top quality fruit. While the 1995 will be hard to find, readers who are interested in profound California Cabernet Sauvignons should seek out future releases. This opaque purple-colored wine boasts knock-out aromatics of smoke, charcoal, black currants, lead pencil, minerals, and high quality French oak. Impressive on the palate, with a classy richness married to well-integrated wood, acidity, and tannin, this is a full-bodied, fabulously rich, expressive, impeccably-balanced Cabernet Sauvignon. Anticipated maturity: now-2015." 93+ points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, August 1998, 298 cases produced.
1994	"Effusively fruity, with pretty floral aromas and a dense, concentrated core of currant, black cherry and wild berry flavors. Finishes with a solid dose of tannins and a rich aftertaste. Best to cellar this potent wine into 2000's" Wine Spectator. Our 1994 Cabernet also inspired The Spectator to choose Clark~Claudon Vineyards as "...one of the undiscovered dozen to try before they are too hot 92 points." 170 cases produced.
1993	Smooth, supple and harmonious, our first vintage greets you with very forward black cherries, berries and cedar with a hint of peppery mint. It is a richly elegant wine with good depth and a lingering finish of fruit, spice and tannin. While the youth of the vines is evident, this wine is an enticing prelude of what is to come in later vintages. The Wine Spectator gave this wine 90 points. 70 cases produced.

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