Sunday, December 11, 2016

Robert Craig Mt. Veeder Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2000

Winter Storm Shelter in Place with Wine and Movie

With over six inches of snow on the ground and still coming down, we settled in for the evening in front of the fireplace with a movie, wine and cheese and fruit plate. I had already pulled this big Napa Cab as an option for our holiday dinner the previous night so I opened this Robert Craig Mt Veeder. We watched on-demand, the movie "War Dogs" which we found thoroughly entertaining, perfect for the mood of the occasion.

I wondered about how this wine was holding up based on the lackluster reviews I read on Cellertracker, but was pleasantly surprised when it exceeded my expectations.

Robert Craig Mt. Veeder Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2000

Our Cellartracker records show we hold at least fifteen vintages of this label dating back to what I believe was the inaugural vintage in 1993. 

 Showing amazing resilience and vibrancy in its seventeenth year, this is what this wine is supposed to taste like, with all the essential characteristics of a Mt.Veeder appellation Cabernet – dense, generous black fruit integrated with fine, sinewy tangy tannins. 


Expansive aromas of bright dark berry fruit emanated from the glass. Dark garnet colored, medium-full bodied, bright forward ripe black currant fruit tones accented by black raspberry and black berry, spicy oak and anise. The finish features a solid core of black fruit that lengthens and combines with smooth mocha, cedar and cassis for a plush, long-lived finish. 

Blend: 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc

RM 91 points.