This seems to be my first look at the 2000 Alion.  I've had a few bottle in the cellar for a while, but it must have been overshadowed by the fantastic 2001.  The 2002 vintage is now available around the traps, I should have a bottle in the next week or two.

The 2000 vintage was a tough one, lots of frost in spring, a very hot and dry summer with some downpours and vigorous growth spurts around vintage.  2000 has been the most productive vintage for Alion to date, around 316,000 bottles were produced, even though over 45% of the fruit was dropped.  2000 also saw the finalisation of the winery infrastructure, large french oak fermenters where used for the first time.

Delightful aromas of cherry, black current, mocha, thyme, earthy spices and tobacco.  Very full on in the mouth, great tannins and structure.  In the mouth its black fruits, currants and blackberry, enhanced by with minerals, licorice and creamy, toasty oak.  The balance is brilliant and the finish long. Not far off the 01, more open at this stage but it will last until at least 2015.  93 Pts.

Source: Cellar RRP: $110 Closure: Conventional Cork

Web: www.bodegasalion.com