Cool temperatures and rain–familiar to Chicagoans this spring–have translated into a good wine buy. But the weather in question occurred late in Napa Valley’s 2000 growing season, affecting the grape harvest. This Bordeaux-style red from Spring Mountain Vineyard is a blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot, but usually about 85 percent of the first, said Tom Ferrell, general manager of the winery. Because of the 2000 weather, however, a lot of the cabernet grapes were “hard-edged” so more merlot went in for softening, ending in a 66/34 cab-to-merlot blend. All this resulted in a rich wine with dark ruby color and enticing aromas of black currant and a little oak. Boasting a smooth mouthfeel, it has a balanced taste, with spicy, complex flavors of berries and dried cherries and a lingering finish. Though the wine usually retails for $50, it’s about $40 now–some wine critics have favored California’s 2001 vintage over the 2000, and the latter is getting ignored.
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