1999 Caldwell Proprietary Red

The opaque purple-colored 1999 (a blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, and 22% Syrah) is a surprisingly large-scaled offering, yet possesses plenty of nuances as well as elegance. It offers notes of cassis, blackberries, and licorice, a terrific texture, and copious quantities of sweet tannin. This dense, opulent, provocative 1999 will have a huge following given its sweet fruit, complex aromatics and flavors, and seamless finish. It is a brilliant achievement for the vintage. It will drink well for 10-12 years. This is a very impressive offering. There are approximately 800 cases of this proprietary blend from a 20-30-year old southern Napa vineyard planted near Coombsville. Made by winemaking consultant Philippe Melka, it is an impressive efforts that see 50-75% new French oak, and is bottled with minimal clarification. The packaging (a fascinating, heavy, designer bottle) may be inspiring, but the real excitement is in the bottle. Tel. (707) 255-1294; Fax (707) 255-5162