Montallegro Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Cruz Mtns 1999 1.5 Ltr 91 Pts Wine Spectatr

WINE SPECTATOR REVIEW: 91 POINTS Rich and supple-textured, a complex, intense, concentrated style that gains depth and nuance with layers of currant, anise, black cherry and plum flavors that really flex their muscles on the finish. Best from 2003 through 2010. 140 cases made. Issue: Dec 31, 2002 (JL) NVWE NOTES: Montallegro Winery Nestled in the northernmost reaches of the wine appellation of Santa Cruz Mountains is a tiny property called the Montallegro Vineyard . The property actually lies in the Silicon Valley town of Saratoga the real estate value certainly would yield more as a residential parcel the area is surrounded by palatial estates, manicured gardens, swimming pools, private tennis courts. The Silicon Valley financial boom ensconced itself in a big way in the town of Saratoga. But the owner of the vineyard, David Arata, has no intention of replacing vines with houses. The property has been in his family since 1955 when his parents purchased the 18 acre parcel. The property is at the very low elevation of approximately 500 feet in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. When David and Alma Arata originally purchased the property, they thought it would be an ideal location for an orchard of apricot, prune and citrus trees, and it was, until a devastating frost ruined the orchards in 1972. The property was replanted to grapes. The inaugural vintage of Montallegro was produced in 1997 a whopping 114 cases, and the entire vintage was sold though the Napa Valley Winery Exchange (it was one of our first exclusives!) The exciting, new Cabernet also received a 92 point rating in the Wine Spectator, and a star was born.