I first tried the 2002 vintage of Mt. Veeder cab when it was just released, about 2 years ago.  One could not get past the tannins at that time.  It was like drinking grape saturated cotton balls.  What a difference a year or two makes.  Like many cabs that are made from Napa's mountain vineyards (as opposed to valley floor vineyards), this is a big wine with a lot of tannin, and it takes a few years to hit maturity.  The wine will continue to improve over the next two years, but is imminently drinkable now.  The bouquet is taking on smoke and toasty oak characteristics, and the fruit is now showing well on the palate.  The finish is smoothing out nicely.  This is a very very nice wine that competes very well with other wines in the 30 dollar category.

Roughly 3.5 stars now, and poised to knock on the 4 point door in about 2 years.  I continue to follow the evolution of this wine with interest.

 

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