Clos du Bois Briarcrest Cabernet Sauvignon 1999

"Always anticipated, this Cabernet shows particular elegance and finesse this vintage. Not a blockbuster, it doesn't slam you with fruit, but instead offers up soft, smooth tannins that are wrapped around blackberry, coffee and herb flavors."
-Wine Enthusiast

Briarcrest is a fine expression of the rich, supple texture typical of Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. This particular vineyard block produces fruit with deep blackberry and black cherry flavors, and a distinct "briary" characteristic. In a poetic moment, our winemaker Margaret Davenport described "briary" as "the smell of very ripe berries on a hot, still summer day walking through a vineyard that abuts a blackberry patch, overlaid with a woody/herbal aroma."

Though Briarcrest is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the extended maceration produces a smooth, richly textured wine; varietal flavors intensify and tannins soften during this additional time in contact with the skins following fermentation. French oak adds notes of toast, tobacco and chocolate. Briarcrest offers thick black cherry and blackberry flavors, balanced tannin and oak in the mid-palate, and a long, smooth, expressive finish.

Briarcrest pairs beautifully with tenderloin of beef, marinated in a red wine reduction sauce. Try it with a succulent roast leg of lamb that has been brushed with rosemary or Dijon mustard.