~ Library Selection ~

Harvest Date: 10/02/99 – 10/05/99

Maceration: 21 days

Bottling Date: May 15, 2001

Barrel Age: 20 months in French Oak, 40% new

Cooperage: Seguin Moreau, Saury

Alcohol: 14.2%

Retail price: $115

Release Date: October 2002

Cases produced: 423

“The 1999 Vineyard 29 Cabernet Sauvignon reveals powerful aromas of ripe fruits, earth, spice and anise. The nose is intense and expresses a feel of viscosity and concentration. The oak is very well integrated which brings some nuances of vanilla and cream. The mouth feel is elegant with a velvety texture. The wine is round, full bodied with layers of black currant, cassis and ripe sweet cherry. The finish is dense, long and chewy with refined tannins.” Philippe Melka, winemaker.

Reviews:

Robert Parker Jr., The Wine Advocate:

"The 1999 exhibits cassis and licorice characteristics, along with considerable smoky new oak. Although the finish is angular and tough, everything else is impressive, including pure, ripe, concentrated fruit, medium body, Bordeaux-like, austere tannin, and good density, sweetness, and richness. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring and enjoy it over the following decade."

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar:

"Dark ruby. Complex nose combines cassis, boysenberry, black cherry, minerals, leather, cedar and flowers. Suave, elegant and harmonious but with no shortage of power or backbone. This wine’s fruit reminded me of Rauzan-Segla. Finishes with strong, ripe tannins and excellent length. Potentially the best yet from this densely planted hillside vineyard."