Nickel & Nickel Carpenter Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 1999
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The spring of 1999 arrived later than usual and flowering occurred during cool weather, reducing crop production. The weather pattern was a blessing for this vineyard, since it is located in a cooler area and would have had difficulty ripening a heavier crop. A mild summer was followed by a warm, relatively dry fall, which allowed the grapes to further develop and mature their tannins before being picked in October.
In 1999, the Carpenter Vineyard produced a Cabernet of great depth and volume, packaged in the bold, impressive style of the vineyard. Very similar in profile to hillside fruit, aromas of cassis, tea and herb meld into currant, tobacco and dark chocolate notes with a solid middle palate supported by firm, rich tannins. This tight core of fruit surrounded by fleshy tannins is the signature of the vineyard.
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.