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Appellation: |
Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District |
Vineyards: |
La Perla 72%, Alba 14%, Miravalle 14% |
Varietals: |
Cabernet Sauvignon 67%, Merlot 14%,
Petit Verdot 14%, Cabernet Franc 5% |
Aged: |
22 Months in New French Oak Barrels |
Production: |
3,100 Six-Pack Cases |
Rating: |
92 Points, Wine Spectator |
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Winemaker Notes |
| The 1999 Spring Mountain Reserve is a Meritage style wine
that utilizes four of the five classic Bordeaux varietals. The heart of the blend comes from our La Perla property
complimented by some outstanding lots from Alba and Miravalle.
Very youthful in appearance with an almost opaque dark ruby
color, the 1999 Reserve has concentrated aromas of blackberry,
boysenberry, and plum complimented by notes of anise and
fig. The dark berry fruit flavors continue to dominate
the palate in this full-bodied, concentrated, rich, layered
wine. Firm yet integrated tannins and an extremely
long finish create the ultimate finale. |
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The 1999 Vintage |
| Beautiful spring weather and bud break in early March
preceded a cooler than normal summer. Vine fertility was
lower than 1998, and despite the smaller crop levels, most
vineyards were slow to ripen due to the cool weather. Glorious fall weather pushed the grapes to perfect ripeness,
resulting in a mid- to late October harvest of grapes that
had an ideal combination of intense fruit and balancing
acidity. |
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Spring Mountain Reserve |
| Spring Mountain Reserve is the ultimate vinicultural and
artistic expression of our Estate. Each year, certain
lots demonstrate a personality and a quality level that
immediately sets them apart from other wines. These
are the lots destined to create Spring Mountain Reserve,
a wine that will showcase a beautiful combination of concentration,
harmony, and character during its long life. |
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Spring Mountain Vineyard |
| Originally four individual historic Napa Valley properties, Miravalle, La Perla, Alba, and Chevalier have now been combined to create an 850 acre estate of forest and vineyard on the eastern slopes of Spring Mountain overlooking the small town of Saint Helena. Over 225 acres of the estate are planted to vine, creating 135 separate hillside vineyard blocks each with its own unique soil, exposure, and microclimate. The vineyard is planted in densities of 4,000 vines per acre and trained to the ancient gobelet form, a vertical trellising method that was invented in an earlier millennium by the Romans. |
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