2000 Wolf Family Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Okay, this is embarrassing. My last wine post was over two months ago, but I have a good excuse. I virtually have not been home at all since March, so my wine cellar remains stocked with reds that should be consumed right, about NOW! As a matter of fact, perhaps I should start giving it away to my friends or it will go bad. Funny, but when the J.O.B. and the family take over as priority number one and two (not necessarily in that order), my wine appreciation just goes down the drain. It is usually replaced with something more boring but essential, like consuming water. However, since I have been flying to the islands, I have developed an appreciation for good rum. So look out for a nice aged-rum post here shortly.

All right, back to my latest conquest. This is the spectacular 2000 Wolf Family Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. I've actually been holding onto it for quite some time, and I thought, well, now is probably a good time to open this one up before it too goes over the hill. However, I honestly think this could probably go another five years before it started to perform an accelerated nosedive. Let's get to it!

Wolf Family Vineyards is located within the St. Helena Appellation and currently offers three estate-grown wines in artisanal quantities hand made by winemaker Karen Culler. First planted in 1996, the Cabernet Sauvignon is grown at the easternmost end of the property and was initially harvested in 1999. The vineyard is rarely thinned and yields less than 3 tons per acre. Furthermore, the grapes mature evenly, and at a pace that allows great tannin maturity. The tannins are soft at first, but then develop fully and are richly textured within this well balanced wine. Total winery production varies from 800 to 1000 cases per year.

After a little decanting, this red was in fact truly spectacular. Lush, fruit forward and super silky. Plenty of cocoa and very smooth tannins. I really have nothing else to say about this wine because it was truly perfect. I am really at a loss for words...