Winemaker Notes
With a dense, inky purple hue, this 1999 Reserve Cab has a powerful and layered nose that is packed with black currants, truffle and subtle spice notes. This wellbalanced wine is broad and dense, with a seductive entry, exhibiting supple flavors of currant, blackberries and blueberries. Lush and lengthy, the finish lingers on and on.
1999 proved to be another long, cool growing season again. The grapes developed very slowly, causing concern that they would not reach full maturity before November. Fortunately a warm Indian summer in the fall hurried us through a late season crush. North Coast grapes enjoyed very long hang times resulting in well-developed, highlycolored and intensely flavored fruit. The residual effects of the poor weather of 1998 had an impact on our 1999 production with, lower than expected yields in most varieties, most notably Cabernet Sauvignon.
"...its deep and keenly focused flavors very much in charge, it can only get better and better over the next five to eight years at the very least..."
-Connoisseurs Guide to California Wine 91 Rating
Professional Ratings
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.