1999 Bryant Family Cabernet Sauvignon

Readers wanting more structure and a Bordeaux-like tannin profile should check out the 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon. It is as close to a premier cru Bordeaux as Bryant may ever achieve. The tannin possesses a structure and astringency reminiscent of a young Bordeaux. The nose offers up scents of melted licorice, smoky barbecue, truffles, earth, blackberries, currants, coffee, graphite, and blueberries. It is more obviously muscular and less seductive than the 2000 or 2001, because the tannin is more aggressive. The finish is exceptionally long. The antithesis of the 2000, the 1999 will require patience. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2025. P.S. As this wine sat in the glass, its aroma brought to mind another wine ... the 1983 Palmer. Tel. (314) 231-8066; Fax (314) 231-4859

Full medium-deep ruby. Knockout nose of currant, roasted stone, tobacco, leather and smoked meat, all lifted by sexy oak tones. Lush, sweet and extremely concentrated, with the trademark seamlessness shown by Turley's wines of all varietal persuasions. Strongly minerally, with a complicating note of dried herbs. A horizontal wine that spreads out impressively on the palate; tannins are broad and sweet. Tasting these three vintages from youngest to oldest offered a fascinating illustration of how masterful elevage enables a wine from an outstanding site to grow in dimension and complexity. Certainly among the two or three stars of this vintage.

Readers wanting more structure and a Bordeaux-like tannin profile should check out the 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon. It is as close to a premier cru Bordeaux as Bryant may ever achieve. The tannin possesses a structure and astringency reminiscent of a young Bordeaux. The nose offers up scents of melted licorice, smoky barbecue, truffles, earth, blackberries, currants, coffee, graphite, and blueberries. It is more obviously muscular and less seductive than the 2000 or 2001, because the tannin is more aggressive. The finish is exceptionally long. The antithesis of the 2000, the 1999 will require patience. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2025. P.S. As this wine sat in the glass, its aroma brought to mind another wine ... the 1983 Palmer.