Unlike most of California Cabernet vineyards ours are coastal and
mountainous. The cool climate here, because of elevation and
closeness to the Pacific ocean, creates high acidity and a slow
ripening. The porosity and poverty of our mountaintop soils gives
low yields and intensity of flavor. These two aspects shape our wine
more than any other factor.
In the world of Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines the comparison of
California and France is always there. Here in the Golden State,
wines of intense fruit and soft, pliant textures abound giving us a
style of immediate enjoyment. In the "Magic Kingdom" of France,
elegant but backward wines begin their journey into our cellars only
to emerge years later ready for the table. What happens here at
Mount Eden is somewhat in the middle: opulent fruit married with
noticeable acidity and structure for development. Like
second-generation immigrants we don't seem to fit in either culture.
Now with that preamble, the '99 has slowly evolved into a fantastic
Cabernet vintage. This was a very late year with final maturation
not realized until November. Early assessments were good but not
spectacular; however, toward the second year in barrel the vintage
really started to bloom.
At this stage, seven months after final assemblage and bottling, the
richness and vintage signature is still emerging. Deep currant
perfume with accents of earth and toasty oak begin the aromas.
Structured in the mouth with buoyant acidity and life-giving
tannins, the abundance of blue fruits builds with every sip. The
metamorphosis we witnessed from good to sublime was something to
behold and is a testament to the mystery of fine wine.
There is sufficient stuffing here to support seven to ten years of
development. At this time, however, the '99 is drinking beautifully.
Tasting
notes at release (spring 2002): 
