Winemaker Notes
Winemaker Tasting NotesWinemaker Karen Bower Turjanis comments, "The unique terroir of the vineyard carries over to this singular wine. Our harvested grapes were incredibly dark and rich with fully developed flavors and great color extraction. This powerful, yet elegant wine exhibits attractive, ripe black fruit in the enticing aroma. On the palate it is rich, revealing outstanding purity. The 1999 is well grounded, sleek and refined, yet full of authority and grace. The quality in this wine seems effortless. Delicious for short term consumption, this Cabernet has the backbone and stuffing to continue aging beautifully for a decade."
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.