Magnums from the year 2000

This was the line up for a recent wine dinner when we sampled a number of magnums from the 2000 vintage. Originally catering for 14 drinkers, the lineup would have included a Magnum of Grand Cru champagne as well as a Graves, but in the event they were not included as a number of accompanying persons did not drink. It was the birthday of one of those attending, so I brought along the special Massandra Madeira Crimea for the occasion. The clarets showed solid performances, with the Gloria being most immediately appealing. The Barbaresco needed more thought and outlasted the rest, blooming late and remaining attractive for the longest period of time. The Mondavi Reserve Cabernet turned heads as soon as it was poured, and won on its immediate blockbuster appeal.