2000 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
ESTATE GROWN NAPA VALLEY

Tasting Notes: Dark purple plum, black cherry, and currant, with hints of anise and chocolate, are matched with overtones of creamy, toffee-toasted oak. The texture is especially velvety, the tannins smooth and polished, and the finish long and complex. Long Vineyards Cabs are taking their place among the best produced in Napa Valley, in the eastern hills between Stags Leap and Howell Mountain.

Grapes: The two-acre vertically trellised Estate vineyard produces 300-400 cases a year. In 2000 the grapes were harvested at the end of September - beginning of October. Our 600-800 ft. elevation above the valley floor assures a frost-free growing season with early and even ripening. In 2000 bud break occurred in early March, several weeks earlier than the valley floor and high mountain Cabernet vineyards. This allowed plenty of ripening time to produce the rich and pungent fruit.

Vinification: Fermentation took place in small vats, with 18 to 20 days of skin contact and 22 months aging in new Seguin-Moreau and Taransaud 60-gallon barrels. Egg white fining was used to clarify and reduce harsher tannins, and the wine is filtered to safeguard against any possibility of spoilage organisms.

Notes from Bob Long: In 2000 this vineyard was 10 years old and producing wines of great depth and richness. Though we make the wine to be approachable now, we expect peak quality and character at seven to 10 years when, we feel, it will transform into an approximation of beautiful Bordeaux. Our Cabernets are differentiated from many Napa Valley counterparts in several ways: less heavy toasty oak and high alcohol, more food friendly, and great price. We are offering a Cabernet comparable to many that sell for $100 or more for half the price.

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