TN: 2003 Whitehall Lane Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (USA, California, Napa Valley)

WINE TALK
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  • 2003 Whitehall Lane Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve - USA, California, Napa Valley (10/21/2009)
    Very odd at first, started to come around after an hour or so in the decanter. Definately a little disjoiinted and I’m not sure if it’ll get much better. I found nice notes of ripe black fruit, smoke, new oak and saddle leather. There was a odd sour note on the finish that was a bit offputting, but overall this is a really nice wine. Fairly well structured with a nice full mouthfeel. I love the glass closure as opposed to cork or neocork. (89 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

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Hi Mark, from your note, I would say the 89 stems from vintage related issues. Disjointed?..sour?..
The Reserve should have delivered better.

Thanks for posting. 03s are still a tricky purchase.

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I originally gave it a 90, but changed it because to me it’s not an “excellent” wine, but is “very good”. I’ve had some stellar '03s and I know you have as well. It may be a vintage issue, as this is the weakest WHL reserve I’ve had. I usually love their wines. I don’t know if this will get any better either.

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First vintage under glass cork - will be interesting to see how these age . . . and would be fun to do a side by side with a cork finished bottle (I think they may have done both?!?!?).

Thanks for sharing!

Cheers!