1999 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
SONOMA COUNTY

VINEYARD

The grapes come from low-yielding, late-ripening vineyards in Sonoma County. The
grapes were grown without the use of man-made chemicals.

GROWING SEASON

The 1999 growing season was marked by a late start. A cool period late in the summer delayed harvest. Finally toward the end of September perfect ripening weather arrived. The extended ripening made for excellent quality.

WINEMAKING

The 1999 grapes were harvested early in the morning at the peak of freshness. They had 22.9% sugar. The grapes were immediately crushed and cold soaked for 40 hours for flavor and color extraction. The must was then fermented in open top fermentors and the cap was punched down every eight hours. After eight days, the wine was pressed and settled in stainless steel tanks. It was then racked into 60 gallon French oak barrels (33% new) and left to age for 15 months.

TASTING NOTES

Deep red-purple in color, it has aromas of tobacco, black plum, and cherry syrup. Medium-full bodied with flavors of black currant, fresh dill, and toasty oak. It finishes with notes of smoke, tannin, and dried cranberries.