Cellar Notes : The 2000 growing season started out wet, with good steady rains throughout February and early March. A gradual warming throughout the season culminated in a summer that, save for a couple of hot days in July, was perfect for developing ripe fruit. September came to a close with a spike of warm weather, which gave us plenty of great ripe fruit. Limiting yields was crucial during this season, to ensure that the fruit retained its intensity. Winemaker's Comments: In the nose, this read more...Cellar Notes : The 2000 growing season started out wet, with good steady rains throughout February and early March. A gradual warming throughout the season culminated in a summer that, save for a couple of hot days in July, was perfect for developing ripe fruit. September came to a close with a spike of warm weather, which gave us plenty of great ripe fruit. Limiting yields was crucial during this season, to ensure that the fruit retained its intensity. Winemaker's Comments: In the nose, this wine starts with aromas of raspberry, blackberry and cassis and ends with a back note of spice and vanilla.The mouth is filled with bright, fresh and rich fruit flavors of cassis and cherry layered with cedar, star anise, nutmeg and hints of smoky bacon that last throughout a long finish. I think this wine is well integrated and shows complexity even at this youthful stage. I found the 2000 Cabernet Sauvignons that I worked with to blend this wine had tremendous character which led me to use a greater percentage in this vintage. Varietal Content: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon 23% Merlot 7% Cabernet Franc Harvest: Appellation: Napa Valley Harvest Dates: September 15 - October 15, 2000 Release: Bottling Date: June 2002 Release Date: December 2002 Case Production: 5,500 (hide)