We rounded out the century with a growing year just as early as in 1999. After a rainy spring, the summer was relatively overcast, but had produced rain. During the month of August, dry weather and a heat wave led us to begin the harvest of the first Merlots on 15 September. The Cabernet Francs were not harvested until the 27 September, so that they could fully mature. This patient wait for maturity paid off in the form of a silky and supple fine wine. It is obsidian in color, with a deep bouquet...