WTN: 2000 St. Innocent Seven Springs

[Jenise]

Second to the last bottle of a disappointing case purchased direct from the winery in 2003 (back then I generally bought a case of SS every year without tasting first). Initially bright cherry and simplistic for a Seven Springs, we drank a bottle or three before realizing that the wine had shut down and needed to be left alone for a few years. Been checking them periodically since 2008 hoping for a change I wasn't really expecting--the wine has always lacked substance, always been unbalanced. And that's where it is today, still sketchy in the fruit department, heavier on acidity and tannins and heading downhill, albeit with some secondary nuances to finally add some complexity. It's the only real loser I've ever had from St. Innocent.

Bummer....think I have a few of those left still

Especially a shame after the brilliance of the 99s, Jenise.

I still have 3-4 bottles of the 2002 Seven Springs. They have been tight and unyieding since release and I'm still hopeful that they will be enjoyable in the near future. Where's the fruit?

[Jenise]

Jim, the 02's were brilliant and a return to the magnificence of Seven Springs as I remembered it--full and exotic in youth, and showing wonderfully well for the last two years. We drank all ours, though easily could have sat on them. I'm surprised that you're having a different experience.

Thanks for note. I only tried this in 2003 and then buried the bottles after make this comment in my notes, " Not real enjoyable right now. Tannic and out of balance." I do need to dig one out. I was not a big fan of the vintage but this was the last "true" bottling of the 7 Springs vineyard.

Cheers,

Jason

[Jenise]

Jason, I'll be real interested in your take on it when you finally dig out a bottle, though if you agreed with me about the wine as long ago as 2003 it's likely you'll agree with me now.