A brilliant showcase of ripe, pure Rutherford Cabernet flavors, brimming with currant, blackberry, black cherry and plum. Shows pretty floral and cedary, mocha-scented notes, with a long, rich, focused aftertaste that picks up hints of herb and sage. Best from 2004 through 2014. 3,080 cases made.

A superlative effort for the vintage, the 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits a deep purple color along with sumptuous aromas of creme de cassis, blackberries, loamy soil, licorice, and high class toasty oak. Medium to full-bodied and opulent, with remarkable texture as well as length for a 2000, it can be drunk now and over the next 12-15 years. Kudos to the Staglins for this effort.

An oaky wine that does its best to achieve depth and complexity, but it doesn't overcome the vintage's shortcomings. The oak contributes smoke, vanilla, char and sweet tannins, yet below are diluted blackberry flavors that turn herbal. The tannins are astringent.