Release Date: Spring 1999

The theme in ’96 was big ripeness and a very small crop. Yields were down to just over one ton per acre and the resultant concentration shows in the powerfully intricate flavors. Most valley vineyards produce 4-5 tons per acre but here, high atop Mount Eden, it is different. The uniqueness of a wine is lost as the crop size goes up. Mount Eden has always produced Cabernet with a “sense of place” and our consistently low yields are a big reason.

This vintage has been very engaging from the beginning. Mouth-coating plushness was always the impression while in barrel. Now that it has hit the bottle, the inherent structure is evident to brace the exotic ripeness. Black and red fruits abound in the aromas with nuances of cinnamon, honey and cedar. Lush and long the the palate, the critical tannins are supple and nicely integrated. Drinkable now, yet optimally over the next 3-12 years.