2003 Nickel and Nickel Branding Iron Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Wow. Upon opening the bottle, pouring the first taste, and taking in its aromas; I was impressed. Jammy fruit blasts the nose and you taste what you smell. Smooth, polished finish. Tannins are present, but far from noticeable. If I were to taste this blind, I'd label it as a merlot. Sediment; needs filter, but not necessarily aeration. In fact, I'd go against aeration because it's gold right out of the bottle. Winemaker notes & back of the bottle:

The flavors get better and better as this vineyard matures. This 2003 Branding Iron flaunts a mixture of wild berry and cranberry fruit. The middle palate is fat and coating as it tastes sweet and polished even though the wine is dry. A warm, spicy toast coming from the barrels complements the fruit, while the soft tannins finish with harmony and grace.
Oakville's Branding Iron vineyard was named for a branding iron shaped like two opposing wineglasses, that has been in the properietor's family for generations. Round and polished, this is an approachable Cabernet Sauvignon with notes of cherry, spice and toasty oak, accented by soft tannins and a harmonious finish.

IHSV.

2002 Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cépages

An amazing claret (meritage). Labeled as a Cabernet Sauvignon; however, it's a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot; each of which is aged independently in oak before being blended and bottled. The nose assaults you with concentrated fruit (predominantly black with a touch of red, particulary crushed cherry(?)**). Well balanced, tannins are noticeable, but fade quickly, ending in a smooth finish (not enough to cut through the abundant marbling in a prime ribeye steak, but much more suitable toward a filet). The question I have is how does the 2003 compare to the 2002 (especially since the 2003 received a higher rating than the 2002)?

From the winemaker:

Engaging and seductive, the 2002 vintage delivers the signature aromas we look for on Cinq Cépages – chocolate covered cherries and hints of mocha. Deep, dense and beautifully balanced, a medium – bodied entry fills the mouth with black plums, hibiscus notes and an exotic floral note that wrap around big, juicy tannins. Highly extracted and perfectly balanced, this wine delivers cedar and sweet roasted oak notes throughout a lingering finish.

IHSV