The 2000 Grenache Cornerstone is lighter than the previous three vintages (which I have purchased and consumed). At 14.7% alcohol, it's no shy wine, but it exhibits a light to medium ruby color, medium body, sweet cherry fruit, and dusty, loamy earth notes. It is more akin to a generic French Cotes du Rhone than its serious predecessors. Drink the 2000 over the next 1-3 years. Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (888) 472-5283

Fruity, simple and technically clean, a perfectly acceptable little Cabernet with an easy price. The cherry and blackberry flavors are swimming in soft, gentle tannins.——S.H.(10/1/2004)—— 83