The July Installment of Pick My Next Bottle focuses on wines from the 2000 vintage. As I mentioned in the first installment, the purpose of this series is to provide insight into specific wines or producers you may currently have in your cellar. The winning bottle will be opened this Sunday and a Bottle Note will be published shortly thereafter.
My wife and I were married in July of 2000. With that in mind I stocked the cellar with enough wines from the vintage so that we would always have something to drink at an anniversary dinner. Knowing we will be eating Italian food this Sunday I have excluded Bordeaux from the list below. That being said I think most classified growth Bordeaux from this vintage could use more time in the cellar.
The Contenders:
2000 Argiano Solengo – There is no doubting the phenomenal quality of the 2000 Solengo, a blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah with a tiny dollop of Petit Verdot included in the blend. Its opaque ruby/purple color is followed by a stunning perfume of creme de cassis, blackberries, espresso, licorice, and new saddle leather. Full-bodied, sensationally concentrated, pure, and well-textured, with a 45-second finish, this unformed, youthful black beauty possesses extraordinary upside potential. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2022. 95 points from the Wine Advocate.
2000 Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe “La Crau” Châteauneuf-du-Pape – The elegant 2000 Vieux Telegraphe La Crau possesses 14.8% alcohol, along with a deep ruby/purple color, charming, rich, fruitiness, and firm tannin in the finish. With loads of freshness, copious quantities of pepper, seaweed, and black fruit characteristics, and a distinctive minerality, this full-bodied, sweet 2000 requires 2-3 years of cellaring; it should age well for 15-16 years. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2018. 91 points from the Wine Advocate.
2000 Marcarini Barolo La Serra – The 2000 Barolo La Serra has aged gracefully. Crushed flowers, tobacco, cedar, licorice and leather are some of the notes that emerge from this pretty Barolo. Layers of sweet, perfumed fruit linger on the beguiling finish. The firm La Serra tannins are always present, yet this remains a highly attractive wine that should continue to drink well for a number of years. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2018. 92 points from the Wine Advocate.
Which Wine from the 2000 Vintage Should I Open?
- 2000 Argiano Solengo (50%, 18 Votes)
- 2000 Vieux Telegraphe (25%, 9 Votes)
- 2000 Marcarini La Serra (25%, 9 Votes)
Total Voters: 36
Loading ...Thanks for voting! I’d love to see a comment below on why you picked one bottle over another. Also, please do let me know if you have any suggestions for the August installment of Pick My Next Bottle.
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No question in my mind about this edition of “Pick My Next Bottle,” open the 2000 Argiano Solengo. This baby is read to go. The other two candidates actually might get better with more age. Cheers!
Thanks Peter. Have you tried Solengo before? I think it would be right in your wheelhouse.
I have tried it before. And, you’re right. Really good juice. Have not tried the 2000 though. Curious what you have to say about it given its age.
I picked the 2000 Argiano Solengo. Want to see if its still boasting a 45-second finish.
Just had the 1998 Solengo 2 nights ago. It was drinking beautiful. curious to get your take on the 2000
Awesome. Good to know on the ’98. I’ve never tried that vintage. The ’99 a year or so ago was super.