1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Blend
83% Cabernet Sauvignon
11% Merlot
3% Cabernet Franc
3% Petite Verdot
Production
12,280 cases of 750 ml bottles
The Vintage
The cool summer of 1999 extended into the month of September and made for grapes with thick skins. The result was big, dark colored wines. The heat that began on October 1, 1999 jumped the grape sugars that eventually came into line with the good acid/pH balance present in the grape clusters. At harvest the fruit was balanced and rich with great flavors.
Winemaking
All of the fruit was picked by hand and gently destemmed before being fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. Systematic pump overs and some extended maceration allowed excellent flavor and color extraction. The wine was aged in a combination of American and French oak barrels for 20 months. Merlot was added to the final blend to enhance the body and smaller percentages of Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot were included to add spice to the aroma and complexity to the flavors.
Tasting Notes
This 1999 Cabernet is big and intense with ripe fleshy fruit flavors and aromas. Oak is nicely integrated into this well-balanced offering that has a beautiful, smooth tannin structure that adds good length to the wine. It is certainly age worthy but is also delicious to enjoy now.