1999 Vintner Select Merlot
Each year as the individual cuvees from our many vineyard blocks evolve, we begin to evaluate their character and intensity, imagining many possible marriages between them. Inevitably, one or two lots stand out, and present particularly inspiring characteristics. In 1999, we selected our favorite Merlot and Cabernet cuvées from the Mountain Top Vineyard blocks to produce this once in a lifetime combination.
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Profile
| Appellation: | Napa Valley |
|---|---|
| Vintage: | 1999 |
| Harvest: | October 1999 |
| Fermentation: | Alcoholic & Malolactic in Stainless Steel Tanks |
| Cooperage: | French Oak |
| Blend: | 75% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot |
| Alcohol: | 14.1 % |
| Bottling: | July 2001 |
| Production: | 150 cases |
| Release Date: | December 01, 2001 |
- October 24, 2007 The Wine Advocate, August 31, 2002, Issue 142
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Rating: 94+
A new offering, the 1999 Merlot Vintner's Select Mountaintop Vineyard, is a selection of Jim Pride and Bob Foley's favorite Merlot lots. Approximately 20% Cabernet Sauvignon has been added to the blend. This is a "Balls to the wall" sort of wine…opaque purple-colored, with notes of melted fudge intermixed with dense black cherry, tightly wound, but oh, so concentrated flavors. The depth, sweetness of fruit, and richness of the tannin are incredible given the fact that this wine emerged from such a cool year. One of the finest California Merlots I have tasted, it will drink well for 12 - 15 years.
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