2000 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Oakville

The 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (300 cases, all from their Oakville vineyards) tips the scales at 14.7% alcohol. One of the finest 2000s I tasted, it exhibits a dense plum/purple color in addition to aromas of figs, licorice, creosote, black currants, and new oak. This deep, medium to full-bodied, powerful offering requires another 1-2 years of cellaring; it should drink well for 12-15 years. It is unquestionably a top success in a tricky vintage. This 50+ acre vineyard, which produced some extraordinary Cabernet Sauvignons under the Villa Mt. Eden moniker in the mid-seventies, is now the wine outpost of San Francisco’s Getty family. The irrepressible Napa cowboy winemaker, Nils Venge, oversees production. Long barrel aging (about 30 months for the Reserve) is the rule of thumb at Plumpjack. Tel. (707) 945-1220; Fax (707) 944-0744