2000 Simi Alexander Valley (regular bottling)

[hotwine]

With oak-grilled portobello caps topped with provolone on whole wheat buns and dressed up like a burger. Nose like a Cab but tannins tweek your jaw muscles at first sip; a little air time and addition of food moderate the bite considerably, settling down to a nice food wine. Initial clash could have been caused by the Italian dressing that served as marinade for the 'shrooms. Costco price of $15.39 and 13.5% ABV. Getting more mellow as last glass is poured (moi or the wine?).

[hotwine]

Popped another last night to accompany oak-grilled NY strips. Solid cab nose and entry, lush fruit on the palate, no jaw-tightening this time, so the clash with Italian dressing was the culprit last October. A very nice cab. D loved it so I'm cleared for more.

[wondersofwine]

HW, I liked both the 2000 regular bottling and the reserve at a barrel tasting in DC. Felt they were less tannic than many of the others available from top producers. Glad to see your notes corroborate (sp?) my impression.