2000 J Daniel Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
Dark red-ruby. Red and darker berry aromas are dominated by notes of tobacco, dried herbs, cedar and forest floor, plus a whiff of tomato stem. Slightly lean in a claret-like direction, showing little in the way of sweetness but good energy to its savory flavors of red berries, licorice and dried flowers. The tannins are a bit drier than those of the '98 and turned dustier as the wine opened in the glass. A bit leathery on the back end but not short. (14.2% alcohol; 50% new oak)
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Good full red-ruby. Currant, mocha, cedar, tobacco, underbrush, fresh herbs and sexy oak tones on the nose. Supple, smoky flavors of cedar, tobacco, licorice, truffle and game. Offers moderate depth but plenty of flavor interest. In comparison to the stronger 2001, this narrows a bit toward the back end, finishing with a slight dryness.
The 2000 J. Daniel Cuvee performed better than it did last year. One of the top efforts of the vintage, this 1,400 case blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot (both Howell Mountain and Yountville sourced fruit) exhibits an elegant perfume of forest floor intertwined with black currants and subtle toast notes. The finish is long, elegant, and persistent. It’s not a blockbuster, but then, no 2000 is. Drink this beautifully balanced, pure red over the next 10-12 years. Tel. (707) 968-9900; Fax (707) 968-9911
(cabernet sauvignon with 30% merlot) Good full red. Reticent aromas of redcurrant, plum, licorice and fresh herbs. Offers good breadth but could use a bit more flesh and sweetness. Shows the modest flavor development of so many cabernet-based 2000s. Finishes with slightly drying tannins and a hint of unabsorbed acidity. Not bad, but a smaller-scaled wine.