Winemaker Notes

Quintana The good news is that the 1999 Quintana is delicious; the bad news is that very little exists. So, let's focus, for the moment, on all the good points. 1999 was a fabulous year from Chile to California and from cabernet to carignane, and for all the other letters of the alphabet, too. Sonoma and Napa Counties, the source of Quintana fruit, enjoyed a nearly ideal growing season, with a long, warm, even summer that produced fully ripened fruit by the end of September. The 1999 Quintana North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon displays a deeply colored core with a nice purple rim. The wine is particularly aromatic, with an essence of crushed violets and warm red and black fruits. In the mouth, the luscious fruit flavors leave a persistent finish that works well with medium to full flavored foods. Sufficient acid gives it a lively feel, and the generous fruit rounds the wine gracefully. There is a pretty and friendly aspect to the 1999 Quintana, despite its considerable structure. And now for the bad news: get your hands on it fast, or you may come up empty-handed. And that would be really bad! VARIETAL COMPOSITION: 76% CABERNET SAUVIGNON, 19% MERLOT, 5% CABERNET FRANC CASES PRODUCED: 2300
Laurel Glen Vineyard

Laurel Glen Vineyard

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While Sonoma County is acclaimed—and rightfully so—for its Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and Zinfandels, it also produces exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. Of the region’s 18 American Viticultural Areas, only a handful produce top-notch Cabernet Sauvignon. These appellations include Alexander Valley, Knights Valley, Sonoma Valley and Dry Creek Valley. Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignons made in these appellations can offer a complex array of aromas and flavors. Fruit notes such as blackberry, blackcurrant, cassis, black cherry and raspberry often are accompanied by hints of graphite, dusty earth, cigar box, toast and vanilla. The varietal has a rich history in Sonoma, and some of these Cabernet Sauvignons and Cabernet-based blends rival the best from Napa Valley.

VWD3900306_1999 Item# 49301