Bottle Notes, Cabernet Sauvignon

1999 Switchback Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon – Bottle Notes

1999 Switchback Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon

Switchback Ridge wines are sourced from the Peterson Family Vineyard in Calistoga. The property has been in the Peterson Family since 1914 and was replanted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah in 1990. Bob Foley has been the winemaker since the inaugural vintage in 1999.

My last bottle of the first vintage of Switchback Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon. I decanted the wine briefly and served with some great steaks. A modest 14.5% ABV. Opaque purple in color. Blue fruits, leather and a hint of mint on the nose. My first though upon tasting was: “Is this really 14 years old?” Like all Bob Foley wines this Cabernet has great mouthfeel and texture. Rich and unctuous. Cherries, cassis, cinnamon, cedar, spice and cocoa on the palate. The finish is long, lush and creamy. This wine is shedding its baby fat and aging gracefully. Drink over the next 3-5 years. My rating: 94 points.

As an aside, at 14 years of age this wine was still just a baby. Sometimes I wonder if we underestimate the aging potential of the current crop of California Cabernet Sauvignon producers.

Switchback Ridge wines are only available via their allocation list.

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