Announces itself as a serious red from the first whiff of earthy smoky notes weaving through the licorice-scented dark berry flavors. This firm chewy wine expands on the long finish under a layer of fine-grained tannins holding it all together seamlessly...

The 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon initially has the oak shining through on the nose with desiccated red and black fruit that makes me think of walking through a redwood forest as decomposing bark and fresh ferns emanate from the ground. The wine still has firm tannins on the palate, but the fruit condition is at the end of its life. Consume this over the next year, as this wine is coming to a close. Don’t miss the drinking window. - Anthony Mueller

(includes 3% cabernet franc) Bright medium ruby. Aromas of crystallized dark berries, tobacco, mocha, peat, graphite and smoky, spicy oak. Very rich and dense but not overly sweet, with strong oak notes of spice and chocolate along with suggestions of pipe tobacco and fresh herbs. Finishes with ripe, chocolatey tannins and excellent length. -- Stephen Tanzer