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In an earlier article, I rated the 1999 Napa Valley Red vintage as "good to excellent." My general overall evaluation is that it is a tannic vintage (similar to 1995) with good concentration of fruit and potential for development of moderate complexity with time. It is far superior to the very mediocre 1998 vintage and the 2000 vintage, but not as good as 2001(see article). The 1999 vintage compares well to 1995, but slightly more tannic and not as concentrated. After the lackluster fruit-deficient 1998s, 1999 is a relative star. However, it is NOT in the same league with 1991, 1994 and 1997--the three greatest California Cab vintages of the nineties. As in all vintages, some 1999s are far superior to others and there will be wines that score 98-99 points. The following is an additional list of wines I highly recommend from the 1999 vintage, Oakville appellation. See the article referenced above for more recommendations. 1999 Stanton Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 Kelham Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (and regular bottling) 1999 Swanson Merlot 1999 Oakville Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 Dalle Valle Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, To-Kalon 1999 Miner Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 Plumpjack Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (screw-cap) 1999 Venge Merlot 1999 Screaming Eagle (a 98 pt wine--if you can find and afford it!) Tasted October 2002
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The Alchemist's Wine Perspective™ |