The 2000 Madre is a new wine, the first production of a Sangiovese-Cabernet blend, a type of wine which, by now, I find hard to get enthusiastic about. This is eminently successful for a first vintage, however, a deep ruby with plenty of cassis fruit, rosemary and thyme, and sweet oak, solid and balanced in flavor and with attractive minerals notes to give freshness, something which these wines often lack. Drink: 2004-2014. Importer: Empson USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900