2000 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Blend
84% Cabernet Sauvignon
14% Merlot
2% Petite Verdot
Production
15,040 cases of 750ml bottles
The Vintage
The grapes of 2000 enjoyed an outstanding growing season. Very warm days and cool summer nights allowed steady flavor development and good acids in the fruit. The grape berries were smaller than normal thus creating more intense flavors. The Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested in late September and October when the grapes displayed perfect balance and sweet, ripe flavors.
Winemaking
All of the fruit was picked by hand and gently destemmed before being fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. Systematic pump overs and some extended maceration allowed excellent flavor and color extraction. The wine was aged in a combination of American and French oak barrels for 20 months. Merlot was added to the final blend to enhance the body and a smaller percentage Petite Verdot was included to add spice to the aroma and complexity to the flavor.
Tasting Notes
The 2000 Cabernet displays graceful aromas of blackberry, violet and vanilla. This stylish wine has attractive flavors of berry, plum and mocha that linger well past the long, smooth finish of this distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is worthy of aging for five to seven years but is also delicious to enjoy now.