Medium ruby. Medicinal aromas of blackberry, black cherry, licorice and mint, along with a suggestion of raw oak. Dense but quite dry in the middle, with strong mineral character. Has length, but the tannins are dusty and a bit overwhelming. Winemaker Phil Steinschriber told me he will probably fine the '99s in an attempt to refine the strong tannins of the vintage, adding that he took the wines off their skins fairly early in this tannic year.

Rating for United States-California: 88 (average year)<br/><br/>Drinkability: too young, let it sit<br/>