1999 Merlot Napa Valley
Blend
89% Merlot
10% Cabernet Sauvignon
1% Cabernet Franc
Production
12,000 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, resulting in big, dark colored wines. Normally Merlot grapes are harvested in September, but in 1999 all of the Merlot was picked in October. 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
With low grape yields, there was more than enough room in the winery to handle the grapes. The fruit was picked by hand and gently destemmed before being fermented in stainless steel tanks. Systematic pump-overs and a temperature-controlled fermentation allowed excellent flavor and color extraction. The wine was aged in one-third new American oak barrels for 20 months with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc added to the final blend. The Cabernet Sauvignon adds complexity and weight to the wine while the small amount of Cabernet Franc enhances the aromas.
Tasting Notes
The aroma of this wine is enticing with an exotic spicy plum and nutmeg bouquet. The wine has excellent balance of fruit and oak with flavors of ripe cherry, violets and fig. It has good weight in the mid-palate and a velvety finish. Enjoyable now with aging potential to 2005.