WTN: 2002 Peter Franus Cabernet Sauvignon

Early notes on this vintage complained of excessive oak, but this wine is now in a very good place with everything well integrated. What stood out for me is the delicious tarry note-I like that element. Fantastic fruit as well...on the dark berry/cherry/currant side, but the cabernet from Hyde Vineyard in Carneros added some freshness and floral notes. John Gilpin tasted more herbal notes than I did, but I agree the wine was very fresh. Good strucfture-tannins are smooth now, unlike some 2002 Napa Cabs I have tried recently, but the wine is not flabby at all (the acid helps). A very, very nice wine. 90+ points.

Thanks for the note Brian. The only Franus wine I remember tasting was a Zin several years ago. It was delicious. I usually associate heavy oaking as an attempt by the winemaker to mask some flaws or deficiencies. It is good to see that in some instances, time makes it better.

I know he is known for his Zins.

I also have one bottle of a Brandlin Vineyard Mouvedre from Franus which I am now eager to try.

The notes on Cellartracker were generally positive as well...high 80s/low to mid 90s.