March 28, 2015 - very earthy and oaky. heavy tannins, plum, licorice, cherry, currant
October 28, 2012 - The bottle was difficult since the cork broke apart easily. The wine was really good after it opened a little. Just as I expect from V Sattui. I have yet to meet a bottle that is not terrific.
September 24, 2012 - One could tell this was a good wine at one time, but this baby was over the hill. Not to say I didn't enjoy it, as there is nothing like an older wine. Lots of chocolate, some cherry.
June 26, 2011 - Bummer, this was our last bottle of this vintage. CT and others may say that it was about done in 2009, but it still drank beautifully. Just a hint of tannin still in the wines but plenty of the ripe red fruit that this vineyard (now replanted and probably renamed since Suzanne is out of the picture) always produces. Filter as there is lots of sediment (though I've seen more on younger wines) just to keep the glass pure. Color is still good ruby red, not turning brown at all. A delightful dinner companion.
April 12, 2010 - The Preston gets their high marks, and the Morisoli has the Rutherford dust, but the Suzanne's vineyard (both the cab and the zin) have been the reliable wines for the last 20 years (though of course they tore out the vineyard a few years ago so the end of the line is 2002 with the old plantings). Sattui starts their aging chart with the 2001, and yes, the 2000;s are all ready to drink and we should finish them off. The tannis and oak are all softened and there is still plenty of fruit and nice balance. Overall a delightful wine still that we paired with steak florentine. Very smooth and enjoyable.
March 8, 2009 - Bottle drank very well. Nice structure and balance with good dark fruits and nice, lingering finish.
December 31, 2007 - Excellent structure and balance deliver another solid wine from the malaigned 2000 vintage. Currant, plum, spicy oak and a bit of smoke on the nose. Fine, grained and integrated tannins create a plush mouthfeel. Long, lingering finish.
July 8, 2007 - One hour decant. Classic dark purple, almost opaque, cabernet color, changing to ruby red at the rim. Nose is cedar, pencil lead, and a bit of heat. On the mid-palate, strong flavors of ripe plum and cassis/blackcurrant. Smooth tannins balanced by good acidity. All in balance here. At its peak, no doubt. An excellent value, wish I had more.
April 17, 2007 - Nice dark fruit - classic cab flavors. Some complexity, but maybe not quite enough. Decent length. Overall a very nice experience.
July 23, 2006 - Drank three Sattui cabs at the in-laws: 2000 Suzanne's, 2000 Napa, and 2002 Suzanne's. My favorite was the 2000 Suzanne's. Great fruit and balance. Tannins are beautifully integrated. Others preferred the 2000 Napa, though I found that it had less fruit and complexity. Still very nice. The 2002 Suzanne's was also nice, but a little bolder on the tannin and not as well balanced. Would like to try this again in about 18 months.