Renaissance Vineyard 'Taken From Granite' Cabernet Sauvignon North Yuba 1999

This is special lot of 1999 Renaissance Vineyard "Taken From Granite" Cabernet Sauvignon was released from the cellars of former Renaissance winemaker Gideon Beinstock. Gideon grew up in Israel, painted in Paris, and finally wound up in California's Sierra Foothills to help plant Renaissance in the '70s. Gideon moved on from Renaissance to found Clos Saron in North Yuba, renowned for its cult pinot noirs.

Extremely energetic on the palate for a 21 year old wine, this is a masterclass in the ageability of California Cabernet (and it clocks in at a medium-weight 13.2% abv). Leather and forest floor mix with freshly baked wild berries, red plum, and dried herbs. It unfurls with mulberry, red currant, cedar and cigar box aromas, lending it a Bordeaux-like feel. Yet this wine is uniquely (high-elevation) Californian - Nicole says it transports her straight to the Redwoods. Tannins are perfectly mature and the acidity accentuates the wine's youthfulness. A benchmark California classic.