Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Claret (3.0L) 1999

The 1999 Francis Coppola Diamond Series Black Label Claret is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. The blend of these varietals creates a wine of defined personality that speaks more to a style of wine than an individual varietal. The 1999 vintage is aged in French oak barrels for eight months, which slowly integrates the toasty sweet vanilla characters with the varietal fruit and rounding out the palate. The Claret has a very expressive aroma that is heavily based on the earthy briary components of the Cabernet; yet the Merlot increases the berry and full flavors of cherries and dark fruits while the Cabernet Franc heightens the unmistakable blackberry and strawberry aromas with a note of spice. The 1999 Francis Coppola Diamond Series Claret shows its soft character with a more approachable, supple style that is drinkable now or can be cellared for three to five years.