2000 Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon

The medium to dark ruby-colored 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon is restrained when compared to the more expressive 1999 (rated 91 in Issue #140). That being said, this pencil lead and cassis-scented offering wows the taster with its impressive depth of fruit, purity, and refinement. Loads of sweet black currants and blackberries are intermingled with toasted oak in this outstanding wine's character. This noteworthy value is medium-bodied, satin-textured, deep, complex, and exhibits a long, fruit-filled, lush finish. Kent consistently produces one of the finest Cabernets in South Africa. After a long maceration, the wine is gently pressed and then spends 18 months in cask (80% of which is Sylvain) on its gross lees. As is the norm with Bordeaux's garagistes, malo-lactic is performed in barrel. Projected maturity: now-2015+. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802