HARVEST Grapes were harvested from prime vineyards in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties from September 27 through October 26, 1999. 1999 marks the first harvest of our hillside vineyards. Though these grapes account for only 15 per cent of total tons harvested, the intensity of aroma and overall depth of character provides optimism for future vintages. What is especially unique to the 1999 growing season is the exceptionally small berries. Overall cluster weights were 40 per cent less than normal. WINEMAKING The grapes were fermented fourteen days in stainless steel to complete yeast fermentation, followed by three weeks in large oak cooperage while completing malolactic fermentation. The wine was aged in 71% French and 29% American small oak barrels for twelve months and in large oak cooperage for an additional six months. The wine was then bottled and aged for an additional seventeen months at the winery. FINISHED WINE The 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine that possesses layers of cassis, blackberry, coffee, cedar and vanilla. Rich, intense and complex, the 1999 vintage will be remembered as one of the more age worthy wines we have produced. |