1999 was a fabulous year from Chile to California and from cabernet to carignane, and for all the other letters of the alphabet, too. Sonoma and Napa Counties, the source of Quintana fruit, enjoyed a nearly ideal growing season, with a long, warm, even summer that produced fully ripened fruit by the end of September. The 1999 Quintana North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon displays a deeply colored core with a nice purple rim. The wine is particularly aromatic, with an essence of crushed violets and warm red and black fruits. In the mouth, the luscious fruit flavors leave a persistent finish that works well with medium to full flavored foods.
Sufficient acid gives it a lively feel, and the generous fruit rounds the wine gracefully.
There is a pretty and friendly aspect to the 1999 Quintana, despite its considerable structure.