Napa Valley Reds from 1999

Swanson, Napa Valley, Estate, Alexis 1999 There’s a great chocolate character in the nose yet the fruit is starting to dry out on the palate. Though past the crest of the hill it still is a pleasure and would work well paired with a thick slab of beef. The grapes behind this wine are Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and more. Proprietors Elizabeth and Clarke Swanson, this upscale blend is named after the Swanson’s daughter Alexis. Estate bottled in Rutherford 14.5% $75 for the current release ’05 at the winery, a gift to the class from the SFCWC

Robert Mondavi, Napa Valley, Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 The fruit has taken on a lovely raisined quality while retaining the acidity associated with cranberries. This wine is in a beautiful state, combining complexity with a remembrance of its original fruit. The wine just goes on seemingly forever – lovely. The wine was aged in new French oak for 17 months and bottled unfiltered. P&B in Oakville 14.1% $135 for the current release ’06 at the winery, this bottle was a gift of some colleagues at Robert Mondavi. Robert Mondavi Winery