2000 Vintage

[Ray Hom]

I have been tasting the new 2000 vintage, mainly the 3rd and smaller producers. The first growths are no here yet. The reds have been very nice wines and I am also liken them to the '82 which we have drank many. Unlike the older vintage, I find that these wines are not as big as the 82 and have softer tannins and are very approachable now. Of the ones we have tasted, I prefer the Chateau Rauzan Gassis Grand Cru Classe from Margaux. It is medium price at around $35.00 to $40.00. I would also consider the Chateau Destieux Grand Cru from St. Emilion as a good choice at about $25.00 to $28.00. It did not have the fruit to go along with the tannins. I would celler it for 5 to 8 years. I also tried the 1998 and 1999 Leouville Barton and it was wonderful. I have not tasted a '61 and cannot compare them to the 2000. I understand that Costco has bought a lot of the futures. Good hunting Ray Hom