2000 Bryant Family Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, Bottle (750ml) [Bin Soiled Label]

RP95 "The 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon is an amazing tour de force. Quality like this was rare, if not impossible to obtain in 2000. From bottle, the wine is performing even better than it did from cask. The color is an opaque black/ruby/purple, and the amazing aromatic concoction includes notes of melted licorice, minerals, smoky toast, and blackberry as well as cassis liqueur. Full-bodied, thick, and juicy, it is a voluptuous effort to drink now and over the next 15-16 years. It is a brilliant achievement, surpassed by none, and equaled only by a few other northern California 2000s." RP Dec 2003

VM95 "Saturated medium ruby. Briary black cherry, black raspberry, licorice and menthol on the superripe nose. Initially a bit tight, but opened with aeration to show fresh, layered black fruit flavors of splendid depth. It's hard to imagine that there's a 2000 California cabernet with a more impressive middle palate. Finishes with great, broad, mouthcoating tannins and wonderful sweetness of fruit. This got better and better as it opened in the glass." ST for VM May 2003

Stephen Tanzer for Vinous Media writes, "As of last fall, Helen Turley is out and Philippe Melka will face the unenviable challenge of succeeding her. Melka inherits a spectacular new winery at this property on Pritchard Hill, overlooking Lake Hennessey. Although the facility has the capacity for 3,000 cases, production here was just 1,200 cases in both 2000 and 2001 and will dip below 1,000 in 2002 as the vineyard is in the midst of a replanting program. The 2000, made by Turley, is one of the stars of the vintage." Pubished: May 2003