AIDA NAPA VINEYARD RED 2002

The new proprietary wine, the 2002 Aida, is a 650-case blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon and 39% Merlot. A remarkable offering from the Aida’s rocky soils, it is a full-bodied, deep purple-colored effort with a big, sweet nose of creosote, creme de cassis, raspberry, pepper, and a hint of garrigue (similar to the Zinfandel). In the mouth, it is tannic, full-bodied, concentrated, and surprisingly seamless. This wine can be approached now, but promises to evolve nicely for 10-15 years.