1999 Merlot
The 1999 Merlot crop enjoyed a late ripening season blessed with beautiful moderate weather, providing ideal conditions for the fruit to enjoy a long hang time on the vine. Immense structure and intense flavor developed in the fruit and were extracted into the wine cuvees. The character of select French oak cooperage was imparted over a period of eighteen months to provide a balance to the fully ripe fruit. Ripe black cherry, currant and roasted coffee bean aromas and flavors are framed in a structure similar to a great Cabernet Sauvignon which variety constitutes 7% of this blend. While enjoyable in its vibrant youth, this fine Merlot will bottle age gracefully well beyond ten years.
Back to Full Wine List
Profile
| Appellation: | Napa/Sonoma |
|---|---|
| Vintage: | 1999 |
| Harvest: | October 1999 |
| Fermentation: | Stainless Steel |
| Cooperage: | French Oak |
| Blend: | 93% Merlot, 7% Cabernet |
| Alcohol: | 14.1% |
| Bottling: | April 2001 |
| Production: | 4137 cases |
| Release Date: | May 01, 2001 |
- November 02, 2007 The Wine Advocate, June 29, 2002
-
Rating: 92
Once again, this winery has fashioned phenomenal efforts. The 1999 Merlot (a blend of 93% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc, 61% from Napa and 39% from Sonoma) is a wine of stricking purity, balance, density, and intensity. A saturated Ruby/purple color is accompanied by great fruit, medium to full body, and perfectly assimilated wood, acidity, tannin, and alcohol. Several more years of cellaring will result in even more joy. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2016. - November 02, 2007 Wine Enthusiast, June 2002
-
Rating: 94
What power and drama have gone into this wonderful wine. Sheer Pomerol, with pencil shaving, black cherry, cedar, chocolate and gamy-meaty aromas and flavors, tinged with violets, and the most voluptuous mouthfeel. Sheer hedonism right through the long sweet finish. - November 02, 2007 Wine Spectator, Sept. 15, 2001
-
Rating: 90
A rich, sensual, complex and concentrated wine, with layers of brown sugar, mocha, red currant and spicy herbal notes, it gains momentum and richness on the finish. Has tannic strength to cellar short-term. Drink through 2007.
- November 02, 2007 Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, May/June 2001
-
Rating: 91-94
Ruby to the rim. Explosive aromas of blackberry, black raspberry, violet and bitter chocolate. Great sappy sweetness in the mouth: flavors of crushed and crystallized dark berries. Very long, powerful finish features strong but lush tannins. An uncanny combination of sweetness and structure. ($48.00; Foley will probably blend in 6% or 7% Cabernet Sauvignon).
Back to Full Wine List