Sterling Diamond Mountain Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 Front Label
Sterling Diamond Mountain Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 Front Label

Winemaker Notes

The 1999 season in the north coast was another late year. Overall the bloom time was a week earlier than normal – about the same date as the 1998 season. The growing season was moderate in temperature through spring and summer with good, dry conditions. Mildew and botrytis bunch rot did not present problems for the season or harvest. The major influence on fruit quality was heat spike periods during the final ripening phase. One such prolonged period of heat combined with extreme low humidity caused the berries to dehydrate, concentrating both sugar and acid and resulting in sweet, but not mature, grapes. In spite of this, the overall quality of the fruit was very good.

Dense, deep purple ruby. Blackcurrant and cassis flavors are followed by an extremely textural mouth coating entry.

Alcohol: 13.5% by volume

Professional Ratings

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    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.

    SWS94812_1999 Item# 50580