The Cabernet harvest of 2000 was a return to "normal" for California standards after the late starts of the 1998 and 1999 vintages. The year came rolling in wet, with good rains throughout the early part of spring. A gradual warming throughout the spring season culminated in a summer that, save for a short heat spike in early June and a few hot days in July, was optimum for fruit and flavor development. We source Cabernet Sauvignon and a touch of Cabernet Franc from select vineyards in the alluvial benchlands of Oakville, Rutherford, St. Helena and Calistoga where these varieties flourish. The 2000 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is nothing short of inspiring and further underscores why this varietal is one of the major pursuits at Etude.

What distinguishes the 2000 vintage among recent seasons is how fine the tannins are. This young Cabernet has an uncanny accessibility that makes it unusually engaging. Heady aromas of violets, toasted coconut, milk chocolate and espresso spark the temptation to taste this wine. A rich, well-extracted entry begins with black cherry, European licorice and brief impression of nutmeg. Full bodied and layered with complexity, this is truly a gentle giant of a Cabernet. Velvety tannins complete the wine throughout a long, richly textured coffee finish.