Varietal Composition: 79% cabernet sauvignon, 17% merlot, 4% cabernet franc Alcohol: 13.9% by volume
This 1999 Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon was produced from grapes grown at Canoe Ridge, Champoux, and Klipsun vineyards in the southeastern portion of the Columbia Valley, and Pepper Bridge and Woodward Canyon Estate vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley. All of the grapes were harvested by hand and sorted prior to crushing.
The 1999 vintage was, over all, a cooler vintage than 1998. In fact, there were legitimate concerns in several growing areas that fruit may not have ripened fully, therefore, some vineyards were thinned. An Indian Summer arrived in early September and conditions were perfect for slowly ripening fruit, giving better overall proportion and balance than the 1998. This cabernet sauvignon was punched down and pumped over in small stainless steel tanks three or four times per day. Fermentation length varied between five and fourteen days. After gentle pressing and racking, the wine was moved to new French barrels for aging. The wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered in late April of 2001.
This wine is integrated with spicy new oak, generous black fruits, a silky texture, and deep purple/red color. The wine is beautifully proportioned with a long finish of cassis, chocolate-covered cherries, mocha, and vanilla. This enticing cabernet will benefit significantly with additional bottle age and should easily age for fifteen years with proper storage.
"May 15, 2002 Dark, dense and rich with blackberry, black currant and cherry flavors, shaded with hints of spice and cedar as the flavors sink gently into a plush texture. Drink now through 2008."
Reviewer: Wine Spectator
Reviewer Publication: Wine Spectator
Review: Best Wine of the Year, 92 points
"Editor's Choice Earthy aromas are intertwined with dried meat. Rich chewy flavors are of blackberries and caramel. The balance of fruit, acid and tannins is exceptional, and the finish is extremely complex."
Reviewer: Wine Enthusiast
Reviewer Publication: Wine Enthusiast
Review: Highly recommended
"Nov/Dec 2001 Dark garnet color. Cassis and ripe black fruit aromas with a faint herbal/mint note. Mouthfilling flavors of ripe black fruits, cassis, and chocolaty barrel toast balance a warm and tannic finish. Long fruit finish, but cellar 3-5 years for additional complexity and integration."
Lowden, Washington 99360
