TN: 2002 Cabot Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Old Mill Humboldt County

2002 Cabot Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Old Mill Humboldt County - USA, California, North Coast, Humboldt County (2/20/2025)

Full disclosure: @John_Cabot has been a close friend of mine for quite some time now, and he’s like family to me…and despite that, I actually love his wines! :slight_smile:

John sent this to me after BerserkerDay, and I was so freakin’ excited to have this bottle I’ve never seen or heard of…a blast from early Cabot past! I’ve never had any (single varietal) Cabernet Sauvignon from Cabot, actually, so it was a special treat, and the first bottle from the shipment I opened (once settled, days later), pairing with a Flannery filet tail, no less.

Nose gives of a bit of ‘classic old CA cab’ funk, dried plum, and baking spices - has a dichotomy of aged quality with some liveliness as well. Palate has fully resolved, smooth tannins, fully integrated with the fruit, which also has retained much of its freshness. Cassis, red and blue fruited, touch of dusty grip at the end, coffee, and a wonderfully lingering finish. A tremendous treat, John…I’m honored to have it, brother. (even though the label is pretty hideous, lol)

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X marks the spot….

Nice notes - your heading caught my attention

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I planted this vineyard when I was 24 years old. The same year I married Kimberly, and had our first son Reed Westen. It was planted on its own roots, and farmed organically. This was my first commercial wine so you cannot imagine what a pleasure it is to see it aging so well. Humboldt is really pushing it in terms of being able to ripen Cabernet Sauvignon, but this cooler climate style is proving to age really well. I’m pumped.

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I love reading this, buddy

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I had a 2007 Cabot cab a year or two ago and it had aged very nicely, lots of classic aged Bordeaux / Cab character.

I agree Humboldt wines seem to have great aging potential.

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I’ve had one of mine (from BD16) standing up for a couple of weeks now and am psyched to open it - probably sometime soon. I noticed quite a bit of sediment and so will decant, but am curious as to whether you guys think the wine then needs any airtime following decanting off its sediment.

Ive only had a couple in recent years and it was pretty open on the pop and pour. Imo, my older wines need less or no decant.

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Thank you, John!! :wine_glass:

Lovin’ this stuff. Thank you, John!!

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Glad youre enjoying it Terry! Hope the sentiment isnt too much.

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You always were a sentimental guy John….

Having your 2007 Tributary tonight - yum!

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That wine has been really showing well lately. Showing lots of secondary characters but the fruit is still strong.