2001 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

My tasting at Mondavi began with a very strong collection of 2002 sauvignon blanc bottlings, from a vintage that Tim Mondavi said offered much higher acidity than 2001. Thanks in large part to the fresh acids, I was more impressed by the Mondavi pinot noirs than ever before, with the wines showing especially bright colors and vibrant floral, mineral and fruit aromas. But the stars of the tasting were the winery's cabernets, which are particularly strong in 2001 as well as 2002. Compared to this winery's cabernets in the lean years of '98 and '99, the new vintages are altogether richer and riper. They also give the impression of coming from lower crop levels. Tim Mondavi, energized after taking a sabbatical in early 2003, says the 2001 cabernets offer a great balance of fruit and tannins. The 2002s, he notes, show more exuberant fruit and considerable, but sweeter, tannins.