The 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon Unfiltered (which includes small quantities of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) is a potentially outstanding offering. The wine reveals backward, dense, smoky, black currant fruit intertwined with earth, spice box, cedar, and saddle leather. It is tannic and chewy, requiring 5-6 years of bottle age. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2020.

Soft in acids and buttery in melted tannins, this wine slides its cherry-berry flavors gently across the palate. It is polished and smooth, with a light but delicious mouthfeel. Turns a bit astringent on the finish as those dusty tannins kick in.