1999 - The Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Chateau Montelena, Calistoga

Good dark red with no amber showing. Medicinal black fruits, violet, menthol and mint on the nose, complemented by rocky volcanic minerality. Very pure and intense, with its ripe but youthfully primary dark fruit, mineral and bitter chocolate flavors framed by a strong impression of acidity. The tannins are substantial but ripe, with the finish showing lovely subtle flavor development and sneaky building length. Today this wine stands out for its purity and cut and I'd expect it to expand further with more time in the bottle. Barrett did not even start harvesting the small crop (1.8 tons per acre) in '99 until the last day of September, about two weeks later than average. (13.9% alcohol)