2000 Sonoma County
Cabernet Sauvignon

90 points - "A dense, rich, well-extracted style, with layers of currant, blackberry, anise, loamy earth and toasty, charry oak, all well-centered, with a rich, supple texture and a long, concentrated aftertaste. The first Matanzas Creek Cabernet in more than a decade. Best from 2004 through 2012." - Wine Spectator October 2003

90 points
"Big black pepper, spicy, barnyard, cassis, blackberry aromas with a touch of wax and prune. Rich and somewhat tannic, has big ripe cassis jam, blackberry, vanilla, spicy pepper flavours. Quite elegant and round..." - Anthony Gismondi, Beverage Dynamics February 2003

Renowned for our commitment to excellence, we are pleased to offer a Cabernet Sauvignon for the first time in over a decade. Historically, a wine of restrained intensity, our Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from Bennett Valley with a blend of estate Merlot.

Now, strengthened with deep mineral flavors from Alexander Mountain fruit and the acclaimed concentration of Knights Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon returns to Matanzas Creek. This Cabernet Sauvignon displays complex aromas of mineral, espresso, violets, and blackberry. Aged for eighteen months in French oak barrels, the supple tannins add to a refined structure. The addition of estate Merlot contributes dark plum essence and a silky texture. The 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon drinks beautifully now and will continue to evolve for the next eight to ten years.

Production Statistics

Finished Wine:
14.1% Alcohol
5.8 g/l TA
3.69 pH
Aged 18 months French oak barrels, 96% new, 4% seasoned
Maceration length, 23 days

Final Blend:
75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc