2000 Tobin James Private Stash

[winoweenie]

A mix of hillside estate grapes comprised equally of Cabernet Merlot, and Cab Franc. 1st time around for this meritage for me. A beautifully crafted bottle that id deep ruby. Nose redolet of a flower gared, sitting next to a kitchen window where the cinnamon buns are baking along with lots of red plummy fruits. All hit the palate. This is atypical for the vintage as the wine has tremendous depth. Wish I'd tried this sucker earlier as it would be resting next to the Affinity and Trilogy. Lovely soft entry, solid center, and a 4+ lapper finish. Needs another 2-4 to resolve some soft tannins but still delightful. 90/92. 38 release price but was part of the 03 spring release. 13.8% alc. WW

[Innkeeper]

We popped ours tonight and agree with ww 99% only as ours was at its peak. Absolutely the wine of the year so far, and it may not be passed. My darling Bev loved it every bit as much I did. We consumed it in our Cabernet glasses with candlelight, sauteed loin ends, and our favorite veggie dish*. A very, very nice dinner as of yore.

* VEGETABLE CASSEROLE WITH MOROCCAN SPICES:

1 T Minced garlic
½ tsp Seasoned salt
2 tsp Paprika
¼ tsp Ground cumin
¼ tsp Cayenne
½ T Granulated garlic (garlic powder)
¼ C Lemon Juice
3 T Red wine vinegar
1 T Olive oil
1 tsp Toasted sesame oil
¾ C Chopped cilantro
¾ C Chopped Italian parsley
1 Red Pepper
1 Green Pepper
1 Yellow Pepper
20 – 2 inch Pieces of celery (5-8 ribs)
1 ½ lbs Small red potatoes
1 lb Tomatoes (clustered)

Cut peppers into 1 ½ inch pieces, potatoes into halves or quarters into bite size pieces, and place with celery into a colander or free standing strainer. Cut the tomatoes into 1/8s and set aside. Whisk first ten ingredients in a very large mixing bowl, and mash in the chopped herbs. Toss the veggies in the colander with the herb/spice mixture in the mixing bowl and transfer to a three quart flat glass baking dish or similar casserole. Tuck in the tomato pieces. Cover (with foil if necessary) and bake 35 minutes at 350 degrees F. Uncover and cook another 30 minutes or more until potatoes are soft. Serve or keep in a warm (200 degree) oven until ready to serve.

[Innkeeper]

Popped the '01 last night for Mother's Day with loin ends Teriyaki, brown Basmati rice, and Italian green beans.

Even though I decanted it a half hour before, it was not necessary; the wine was THERE. Every bit as good as the '00 as ww described it, if not better. Mmmmmmmmm!