Sequoia Grove Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1999

This obviously was an interesting way to end the 20th century. The red grapes had not even changed color by the first of September, and with picking usually 6 weeks after veraison (or color change), we did the only sensible thing we could and cut off 20 to 30 percent of the fruit to force the vines to ripen the remaining berries. This was very lucky for several reasons: It did reduce the crop size considerably, which even in normal conditions would have intensified the fruit. But a lovely Indian Summer finally arrived in October and guaranteed the ripening of the remaining fruit. Although the harvest was late, not finishing for Sequoia Grove until the middle of November in a blinding rain storm, the fruit had incredible long hang or maturing time on the fines - from early Spring to almost Winter. This gave the wine powerful flavors and structure. Although the early heavy tannins have already begun to soften allowing this wine to be released much sooner than expected, it will become more and more enjoyable as time goes by. It was definitely one of the great vintages of the century - a big mouthful of lasting flavors which is a joy to any Cabernet drinker. Again, in our tradition this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the valley floor in the Oakville/Rutherford appellations of the Napa Valley.