| The 2000 growing season was long, warm and favorable for a large crop. Consequently, a considerable percentage of the fruit was removed to ensure complete and uniform ripeness. A wet October delayed ripening but warm, sunny days returned late in the month and into November, allowing us to harvest these grapes at near ideal ripeness. A softer vintage than was the case in '99 led us to blend a higher percentage of Cabernet Franc and less Merlot while keeping the Cabernet Sauvignon component nearly steady. Aged for over two full years in 1-2 year old French and American oak this is a sturdy yet elegant wine with blackberry, black cherry, cassis, earth, toast and spice complexity. |