1999 Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting Notes
Our 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon is bright, rich and focused on a core of spicy black cherry, cassis and blackberry fruit that is complex and concentrated. Its long, intricate finish reveals hints of chocolate, cinnamon and mint. The mouth-feel is smooth with well-integrated tannins.
The Year
The 1999 vintage worried us early on with cool spring and summer weather, but September warmed up and the grapes matured quickly. Verasion started around August 10 and was 100% complete two weeks later. Harvest began with Merlot on September 24 at Seven Hills Vineyard, and finished October 18 with Cabernet Sauvignon from Pepper Bridge Vineyard. Due to variable weather conditions and a late growing season, we decided to lower the crop levels severely by dropping fruit in early August, which assisted in the fruit reaching full maturity. We vinified each lot separately and fermented in small bins, punching down three times daily. After pressing and primary fermentation, we racked every lot into oak barrels, and inoculated for malolactic fermentation. As a group, all the 1999s show dark color, bright fruit and nice complexity.
Viticulture
Entirely estate; Certified Sustainable and Salmon Safe. Founding member of VINEA.
Wine Specifics
Varietals: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyards: 28% Seven Hills, 72% Pepper Bridge
Awards & Accolades
“Pepper Bridge Winery has supplied fruit to many Washington State’s top wineries, but this is only the second vintage made under their own label. It’s a very pretty Cabernet Sauvignon, with soft ripe fruit tasting of plums and cherries. Fragrant and focused, it shows classy winemaking and a smooth, sophisticated style.”
-Paul Gregutt, Wine Enthusiast, 90 points
