Professor Bainbridge...on law, politics, religion, culture & food

Provenance Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2000

Provenance 2000 Rutherford cabernet sauvignon (WS 90). It was infanticide -- nowhere near ready to drink -- but with promise for the future. Firm with smooth tannins, deep color, but almost no nose. The flavor profile included currants and cassis, leathery beef, and oriental spices; not much Rutherford dust. Needs time. Interestingly, Provenance is run by Duckhorn's longtime winemaker Tom Rinaldi. At Provenance he is pursuing the same blending philosophy he championed at Duckhron. This wine, for example, is 15% merlot. Grade: A-