Tasting a couple of ’99s from Sonoma

Last night we had a small bbq to mark the last evening before my son started his junior year. The kids had to settle for Ginger Beer, Snapple, and Starbucks frappuccino but I figured we parents should have a little something special to go with our steaks. What better way to observe the occasion than wine from the year these “youngsters” started first grade? (I was so glad the math worked out to the 1999 vintage and not 1998 or 2000.)

• 1999 Vérité La Joie – USA, California, Sonoma County (8/25/2009)
  Raspberry and currant, brown sugar, espresso, eucalyptus and a generous dose of oak though the wine is in balance. Drinking more youthfully than the 99 Ch. St Jean Cinq Cepages we opened alongside. Has the structure to continue developing. Drink now with 2 hour decant but probably better to hold 2-3 more years. (90 pts.)
• 1999 Chateau St. Jean Cabernet Sauvignon Cinq Cépages – USA, California, Sonoma County (8/25/2009)
  This bottle was better than one I opened about 6 months ago. Earthy with forest floor, cherry pipe tobacco, cedar, mushroom and secondary notes of ripe plum and hint of mint. Drinking quite mature now and although there’s probably not a big rush, I’d advise enjoying over the next few years. Decanted one hour. (88 pts.)

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