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2000, 2000, What are thou, 2000 Cab Vintage?

by Alexander J. Pandell, Ph.D.

In a sentence, the 2000 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon vintage is a tannic one that I rate as average to good. Most of the wines are dominated by astringent tannins that will last the life of the wine. Most exhibit moderate concentration (of fruit) and will never balance with respect to tannin and fruit (see CNFATE). The fruit will disappear well before the tannins soften, and what will remain is a mixture of tannins (wood), alcohol and water—a “waw” wine.

With that said, there will be some excellent wines produced by exceptional winemakers who have mastered the art (and science) of fine winemaking, even in less than stellar vintages. Some of those producers are listed below. These winemakers were able to sculpt wines with high fruit concentration, which help mask the rough tannins.

The 2000 is one vintage that the consumer must carefully “analyze” before purchasing. In other words, taste the wine before buying large quantities.

All wines listed below were tasted July 23, 2003. All are 2000 Rutherford, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, and rate “good to excellent.”

Slaughterhouse Cellars, 40 cases: Tannic with potential complexity and F=3.

Monticello Vineyards, Tietjen Vineyard, Release October 2003, $50, 224 cases: Tannic but fruit may compete with time.

Elyse, Tietjen Vineyard, Release September 2003, $57, 570 cases: Tannic but fruit may compete with time.

Beaulieu Vineyard, Georges de Latour Private Reserve, Release October 2003, $90, 16,500 cases: Great looking wine with a lush vanilla oak nose, good concentration that may rival tannins with time. One of my favorites.

Niebaum-Coppola Estate Winery, Rubicon, Release March 2004, $100, 5500 cases: Great color, needs time but may balance.

Frog’s Leap, Release December 2003, $65, 750 cases: good balance, not overly tannic.

Flora Springs Winery & Vineyards, Rutherford Hillside Reserve, Release October 2003, $100, 800 cases: Nice wine, could be very good with a few years age.

Merryvale Vineyards, Beckstoffer, Clone 6, Release summer 2003, $90, 1100 cases: Nice juice! A bit tannic on the end, but has good concentration and overall balance. One of my favorites.

Zahtila Vineyars, Beckstoffer Georges III, released April 2003, $40, 890 cases: Darkest wine at tasting, good concentration, could develop into excellent if tannins soften and fruit holds.

Quintessa, Released September 2003, $100, 9500 cases: Great nose and tastes good, but not enough fruit. A finesse wine that would benefit from more concentration.

OVERALL ASSESSMENT: 2000 Cabs from Rutherford Appellation, Napa Valley are tannic with moderate fruit. The best wines will be those with the greatest concentration of fruit.

Contact: alchemist@wineperspective.com