Grgich Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 (Recommended)

Region: North Coast
Appelation: Napa Valley (Rutherford)

To be honest I've no idea what 1999 was like, vintage wise, in Napa and even less idea as to how well a Grgich would typically age. I had high expectations even if purely based on price alone (~USD $60). Medium blood red, quite transparent, and no noticable fading at the rim.

Impressive bouquet of classic cassis, feels dusty, quite powerful and liquored. A mild woody note as well.Steps down half a gear to taste - no bad thing - although the cassis continues to drive the fruit profile. Tannins are forceful but not abrasive and the fruit does tighen a touch through the palate. A little pongy on the finish but blows off in time.Over the next hour progressively opened up and some sweeter berry fruits began to shine. Really good stuff that should hold for another 3 - 4 years.