TN. Bryant Family Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

Hello everyone!
As this is my first post on the forum , I would like to share with You below tasting note on wine which I opened on 25th of March on my 45th birthday. I hope you enjoy it! champagne.gif

This is my first California cult wine so I did not know what to expect except memorable wine!
Color is completly black with thin ruby rim, suggesting high concentration.
I decanted wine 2 hours which was not enough.
Beautiful and fascinating aroma of cassis and bluberries liquer, hint of mushrooms, mocca and cigars.
Texture of this wine is just flat out amazing, something like the softest down pillow, everything was beautifull integrated - smoothest tannins, acidity, entry sweetness of black currants, bluberries and blackberries and long a bit tannic finish. Bryant 2002 has “the drive” you want immidiately try one sip after another but the most amazing thing was that after 1 or 2 hours AFTER decanting the wine become even more decadent and opulent. So I recomend at least 3-4 hours decant.
This was the most expensive wine I have ever bought as Bryant is wine producer whom I have the sentiment for his the most spectacular achivements for a few vintages in row: 1993-1997 and also by accident the same surname as my favourite NBA player : Kobe Bryant.
If I could afford I would buy another Bryant 2002 or other great vintage.
My initial score was 95-96 but after wine got more opulence after a few hours, I raised my score to final 98/100.
If someone can make a present for me and send me bottle of any vinage of Bryant Family Cabernet Sauvignon, is highly welcome!
So far I gave the highest rating 97/100 to Staglin Cabernet Sauvignon Estate 1997 and Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2001.

I usually put my tasting notes on cellartracker.com, nickname:joealex
My favourite wine regions are Bordeaux and Northern California,

Greetings from Poland and stay healthy!

Marek

Hello Marek and welcome!

Great first post and TN.

I’m always interested in 2002 wines as that is my wedding year and always looking to pick up some bottles here and there.

Sounds like this one is a wine to consider seriously.

Coincidentally, just got an email from Belmont Wine Exchange for discounted Bryants, including 2002 for $285, which seems like a relative bargain in the world of CA Cult Cabs.

Tom

Welcome Marek and hello from Chicago. Welcome to Berserkers. I will look for you on CellarTracker - I am charleshetzel there.

We love Bryant Family here and it’s by far my wife’s favorite Cali Cab!

Thanks guys for warm welcome!
My friend from New York bought for me this bottle for 345 USD + tax, so price 285 is pretty good, If I have opportunity to buy once again this wine for below 300 I would not wait even a minute.
Of course 285 USD is still a lot of money for me.
Taking into consideration average salary in Poland ( 1 USD = 4 PLN) , every California wine is 4 times more expensive for me that for you guys in US.
Anyway this is truly memorable experience, and worth to pay for that.
Please only keep in mind that after several years “there are only great bottles, not great wines”