1999 TANTALUS CABERNET SAUVIGNON
VAN DER KAMP VINEYARD

WINEMAKING
This wine was vinified in traditional open-topped fermenters, punched down 3 times daily. Aging was performed using the Bordeaux techniques of gentle racking, egg white fining and malolactic fermentation. It was framed in the finest French Oak for 23 months

VINEYARD SOURCES
The Van Der Kamp vineyard is located on Sonoma Mountain at 1200 to 1500 feet in elevation. The particular lot and block the Tantalus grapes come from is situated in a protected saddle which maximizes sunlight and protects from fog and overcast. The result is extra long hang time with little risk of mildew or rot. The fruit is usually harvested in late October and in some years into November. This long, slow, maturation leads to deep, ruby color and complex flavors of black cherry and cassis. Having many years of experience with this vineyard and the grower, we make our decisions subjectively. We pick on flavors, not “by the brix numbers.”

DESCRIPTION
The deeply colored 1999 Tantalus Cabernet Sauvignon displays generous aromas of cassis, spice, and black fruits. Medium to full bodied, on the palate there is loads of spice, cherry pepper, black currant, and boysenberry. Long, with good acid and moderately tannic, this wine would be great tonight with a rib-eye, but will reward cellaring for 2 to 6 years.