1999 Monte Bello

72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. Cold rainy spring delayed flowering, but good fruit set eventually resulted in high yields, equalling those of 1997. 166 tons from 105 acres. Harvest end October through mid November. Exceptionally, some inoculated yeast used for primary fermentation when H 2 S notes were detected in some lots. Malolactic conversion proceeded without inoculation. 17 months in barrel (93% air-dried American oak, 7% French oak). Marred by the mildest TCA note alas but they had only one bottle. Cassis and some acidity and a lean freshness. The fruit is probably not showing its best in this bottle. But the tannin management has clearly been superb. Really sinewy and fresh above all with great persistence. I can see that without that mild TCA this would be amazing so have scored it as though TCA-free. (JR)

The 1999 Monte Bello is gorgeous wine for current drinking, as all the elements have melded together nicely with the passage of time. Cedar, smoke, leather and dried herbs give the 1999 wonderful aromatic presence. Overall, though, I find the wine's sheer depth to be really impressive. Moreover, the 1999 is aging very gracefully. (AG)

The 1999 Monte Bello comes across as lacking the polish of the best vintages. Leather, smoke, tobacco and licorice notes show oxidative overtones, which, along with an element of brett, add to the wine’s distinctly rustic personality. There does not appear to be any upside from cellaring bottles further. The cool summer led to a long growing season in 1999.