2000 Charmail

This is the finest effort I have ever tasted from this estate. It possesses great intensity, an inky purple color to the rim, a tremendous nose of minerals, white acacia flowers, creme de cassis, and black cherries, with some licorice, vanilla, and smoke in the background. It is truly great stuff, although I would not push its aging capacity beyond 10-12 years. This intense, full-throttle offering is made from a blend of 50% Merlot and equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Anticipated maturity: now-2014.

This is the finest effort I have ever tasted from this estate. It possesses great intensity, an inky purple color to the rim, a tremendous nose of minerals, white acacia flowers, creme de cassis, and black cherries, with some licorice, vanilla, and smoke in the background. It is truly great stuff, although I would not push its aging capacity beyond 10-12 years. This intense, full-throttle offering is made from a blend of 50% Merlot and equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Anticipated maturity: now-2014. Apr 2003, www.robertparker.com

Medium ruby. Aromas of roasted raspberry, roasted nuts, black olive and smoky oak; shows a slightly generic cold maceration quality. Chunky and dense in the mouth, with flavors of dark berries and earth. Finishes with slow-building, dusty tannins. Currently offers less charm than the '99.