Winemaker Notes

The 1999 Niebaum-Coppola Estate Cabernet Franc has the classic spice and clove with sweet red fruit aromas that are distinctive Estate characteristics. Not all Cabernet Franc smells like ours, which is a testament to our old clone of Cabernet Franc as well as our organically farmed vineyards. We believe in the versatility of the varietal for both its blending potential and its individual delicious qualities. The 1999 Cabernet Franc has aromas of clove and allspice while the palate is very luscious and concentrated. It has beautiful tannins with characteristic tobacco, nutmeg and raspberry flavors. With a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon added for range and personality, the wine is drinkable now and will age nicely upwards of ten years.
Inglenook

Inglenook

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Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.

Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.

SWS68482_1999 Item# 46607