2000 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County
Vintage
2000
Price
$42
Release Date
September 2003
Appellation
Sonoma County
Availability
Select Markets Nationally
Vineyards
- Dry Creek Valley - Vignamabile Vineyard
- Alexander Valley - Pusich Vineyards
- Sonoma Valley - Sunny Slope Vineyard
Download
- Wine Notes [.pdf 832k]
Vintage
Each year, as part of our Reserve program, we select the best blocks from the best vineyards, which are then kept separate through the winemaking process until being selected, barrel-by-barrel, for the final blend. For growing seasons with unique personality, 2000 did not disappoint. We did see some hot weather but much less than normal. We had good weather for bud-break and bloom that helped ensure a good set. Because of the late season, which creates the potential for fruit not to ripen, we employed judicious irrigation during the summer to control growth and uniformity and we crop thinned after veraison to aid in ripening. As we entered mid September (latest ever), we needed heat and got it. Once harvest began in earnest in late September things went very quickly and by October 23rd it was effectively over.
Vinification
A variety of techniques were used to maximize the distinct character of each lot. For example, all lots were cold-soaked, but some for as little as one day and others for as many as five days. Three different yeasts were used, and the wine was fermented in small lots in open top fermenters and punched down daily by hand. Extended maceration provided maximum extraction. All of the lots underwent malolactic fermentation and all were aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, new, one-year and older. We work to extend the fermentation times and reduce the time from pressing to barrel to complete the malolactic fermentation in barrel. This is done to improve the texture and mouthfeel as well as to integrate the flavors. Alcohol 14.5%, Total acidity .62, pH 3.56, Residual sugar - dry. Cases produced: 2,614.