winemaker's notes:
This 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is the first vintage made in our new To Kalon Cellar and represents our highest values - our finest vineyards, our respect for both tradition an innovation, and our unwavering passion for excellence.
The To Kalon Cellar brings to life my vision of a winemaking facility equal to the superior quality of the grapes from our historic To Kalon Vineyard. The Cellar's gentle gravity-flow design includes 56 French oak fermentation tanks. The return to oak fermentation enhances the aromas, flavors and complexity into our finest Cabernets, and imparts both immediate approachability and incredible aging potential.
As always, the fruit for this Cabernet Reserve comes from our finest vineyards, including over 50% from our To Kalon Vineyard and a total of 84% from the Oakville appellation. These vineyards consistently produce the most expressive and complex wines; it's no coincidence that they hold some of Napa Valley's oldest vines, which produce powerful, concentrated fruit.
This year also marks my father's 90th birthday, which gives us even more reason to celebrate and raise a glass with you. May this wine bring grace to your table and zest to your life.
Very sincerely,
Tim Mondavi