Carmelo Patti Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

Bodega

Range

Wine

Vintage

Origin

Price

Carmelo Patti

n/a

Cabernet Sauvignon

2002

Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza

AR$55 (US$19)

Appearance

Clear ruby red with some brick/orange hues.

Nose

Rich, complex varietal notes of blackcurrants, raisins, and herbs - green capsicum, asparagus, and blackcurrant leaf. Gentle white pepper, caramel, coffee and vanilla complexities hint at subtle and well-integrated oak.

Palate

Light to medium bodied. Blackcurrant (cassis) fruit and raisins, almost tawny-port-like, with a fresh bright balancing acidity. Caramel and coffee hints, zingy green peppers, black olives and spicy tobacco leaf. Very herbaceous and spicy, lending a slightly woody (but not harsh) character. Tannins are very soft and round and the length impressive.

Overall

Carmelo Patti is a winemaking legend in Mendoza - very nearly a one-man army, he makes all his wines single-handedly and with all the attention and care of a true master-craftsman. His 2002 Cabernet is a classic example of the variety - this is pure Cabernet Sauvignon, from the blackcurrant to the olives and green herbs. In fact, if it wouldn't be such a terrible waste it could be used as a reference example in sommelier school. 12 months in a mix of new and old oak has lent some concentration and caramelisation, but what makes this wine great is the pure expression of a naturally very complex variety. Excellent value.

****+

(November 06)