Heartland Vintage Wines, Inc.
Robert Craig's Great Press!
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Robert Craig Mt. Veeder • Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “. . .concentrated in blackberry and cherry
essence. . .defines the vintage's potential. . .the balance is such that it's a lock
for the long haul. Cellar Selection.”
The Wine Enthusiast, October 2004 (Cover story calls 2001 the "best ever"
for California Cabernet)
Wine Spectator 88 points "A little rough around the edges, with chewy
tannins, pencil lead, currant and game meat scents that provide a solid core of
flavor that gains velocity. More impressive on the finish, where the fruit shows
its purity and concentration. Best from 2005 through 2012. 1,535 cases
made." (JL)
2001 Howell Mountain • Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The Wine Enthusiast, October 2004 92 points “. . .cherries and blackberries.
. .core is pure and rich and fruity sweet. . .enjoy now with a good steak, or
stick in the cellar for the long haul.”
Robert Parker, 88 "Reveals a darker plum/ruby color in addition to a bouquet
of black currants, medium body, good elegance, and strong tannin, earth, and
mineral notes in the background. The Howell Mountain terroir comes through
in this finesse-styled Cabernet. Give it another 1-2 years of cellaring, and
enjoy it over the following 10-12 years."
2002 Howell Mountain Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Robert Parker, 88+ "...there is a lot to like about this deep ruby/purple-
colored effort. Aromas of graphite, minerals, mocha, and blue as well as black
fruits emerge from this rich, concentrated, long effort with high but sweet
tannin. While it reveals some accessibility, it will be better in 3-4 years, and
should last for 10-15."
2001 Affinity - Napa Valley Bordeaux-Style Cabernet Blend
The Wine Spectator, March 4, 2004 91 points “Lots to admire in this ripe,
complex young wine, as it presents a rich array of plum, blackberry, toasty,
mocha-laced oak and a firm, yet creamy texture before ending with chewy
tannins.”
Robert Parker 89, "...exhibits a deep ruby/purple-tinged color as well as
complex aromas of violets, red and black currants, graphite, and subtle oak.
Medium-bodied with good acidity, ripe tannin, and fine balance, it is accessible
enough to be drunk now, but promises to last for 10-12 years."
2002 Affinity - Napa Valley Bordeaux-Style Cabernet Blend
Robert Parker 89, "...exhibits a similar ruby/purple hue as well as a sweet
nose of flowers, black cherries, currants, spice, blueberries, and black
raspberries. This understated, elegant, restrained effort could easily pass for
a high class Margaux. Drink it over the next 10-15 years."
2000 Mt. Veeder • Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The Wine Spectator, October 15, 2003, 89 points "Deftly balanced and plush,
with a pleasant surge of ripe currant and cherry fruit that pushes through.
Finishes with ripe, supple tannins and a touch of anise and sage."
2000 Howell Mountain • Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The Wine Spectator, October 15, 2003 88 points "Wins points for its delicate,
understated richness and balance, offering complex herb, spice, currant and
earthy anise scents. Gains depth and nuance on the long, rich aftertaste."
The Wine Advocate 90 points " ...sweet perfume of framboise, black currants,
licorice, and crushed rocks is followed by a broad, concentrated, ripe,
impressively-endowed Cabernet boasting sweet tannin as well as a savory,
supple palate. It can be drunk now, but promises to evolve for 10-12 years."
Robert Parker