1999 Melka Metisse Napa Valley Proprietary Red
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Tasting notes
Bright ruby. Sexy, musky aromas of black fruits, mocha, leather, licorice, violet and minerals. Plush, supple and suave but not at all overly sweet, combining a seamless, fine-grained texture and good inner-mouth definition and lift. Nicely balanced, stylish wine with noteworthy depth. The balance of ripe acidity and refined tannins enables the dark fruit flavors to build and spread out on the aftertaste. A terrific showing: perfect right now but with the structure and energy for further aging. (14.1% alcohol)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 1999 Metisse is a 500-case blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc (a different blend than when I first tasted it from barrel), that sees approximately 50% new French oak. Combining Bordeaux's elegant, highly nuanced style with Napa's sweet, ripe, concentrated fruit, its French sensitivity is accompanied by wonderful opulence and purity. The dense ruby/purple color is followed by aromas of cassis, jammy black cherries, blackberries, coffee, and fudge. It is deep, rich, pure, and medium to full-bodied, with moderate tannin in the finish. It should age gracefully for 15+ years. Tel. (707) 963-6008; Fax (707) 963-4546
Bright ruby. Subtle nose combines cassis, mocha, tobacco, lavender and smoke. Penetrating, juicy and very suave, with cassis and bitter chocolate flavors complicated by a lingering note of cured tobacco. Builds nicely on the back end, finishing harmonious, sweet and very long, with ripe, dusty tannins.