($150; includes a small amount of juice from replanted young vines) Saturated bright ruby. Superripe aromas of roasted currant, black raspberry, dark chocolate, violet and musky coffee. Sweet on entry, then a bit clenched in the middle. This wine seemed quite large-scaled in barrel, but today I can't find the same breadth or depth. Showing a slight edge of acidity. Finishes with big, cheekcoating tannins.

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A new, elegant, yet heavy bottle (obviously designed to encourage lower back pain) was introduced with the 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard. Aged in 100% new Taransaud barrels, it exhibits a dense purple color along with a sweet nose of smoke, blueberries, blackberries, and cassis. Firmly tannic, rich, and medium to full-bodied, with a slight narrowing at the finish, this is an outstanding effort in a difficult vintage. It requires 1-2 more years of cellaring, and should keep for 12-15.

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Dark, rich and concentrated, with a firm tannin and oak backbone supporting a core of earthy currant, blackberry and pencil shaving scents. Intense and vibrant, it needs short-term cellaring. 1,000 cases made.

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enjoyed by all.