1999 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

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The 1999 growing season was dominated by cool weather, then the last week of September really warmed up and we were able to allow the fruit to attain maximum maturity and ripeness before picking.  Because we had a very small crop, the cool year and excellent ripening weather combined for optimal conditions.

The Estate Cabernet Sauvignon tonnage was similar to 1996, only 1.8 tons per acre. Not much there, but man was it great! The finished wine has an inky deep color. You can taste the great ripeness in the glass as dense and spicy Cabernet-cassis. The tell-tale Montelena terroir is evidenced by warm gravel, moist earth, a hit of mint from the volcanic hillsides and loads of ripe black fruits.

The palate profile has very bright front and middle flavors with intense Montelena earthy berry fruit, classically balanced with good acid from the cool vintage, all flowing evenly to a smooth and elegant tannin structure. This is a perfect example of the rich fruit of the Montelena Estate vineyard tightly woven into a classic Cabernet Sauvignon with balance and elegance.

-Winemaker Bo Barrett

Age Advisory:​ We recommend using an Ah-So wine opener to protect the integrity of the cork. This wine has been cellared at Montelena over the years, so bottles may have minor scuffs and patina from age.