1999 Napa Valley Red Blend

75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc. ‘A very cold and dry winter induced the vines into a deep dormancy. By late February, the storms announced themselves and gathered one after the other. Spring was slow to come. Fortunately as happens in this eternal dance of change, the clouds disappeared as if by magic and the much-awaited sun broke through. Spring was here and although its visit was short, it caressed the vines with soft placid days that lasted beyond bloom. It was a perfect spring for fruit set. The summer was mild with balmy warm weather. We had only a few heat spells, but these were tempered with careful water management and the use of sprinklers to cool the vines. Crops were low, due to the vine's natural response to two consecutive years of high yields. Nonetheless, the vines were crowned with small, full berries and the passage to veraison was uncommonly smooth. Harvest was in late October.’ Mellow ruby shaded colour. Very Cabernet nose shows first signs of oxidation but not seriously so. Sweet start and very mellow with tannins well integrated. Some Merlot flesh and good acidity. (JR)