Reviews & Ratings

1999 Renaissance Merlot "Sierra Foothills"

Winery: Renaissance

Vintage: 1999

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Sierra Foothills"

Wine Category: Merlot

Grape blend: Merlot

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Sierra Foothills

State or country: CA

Price: $25

Cases produced: unknown

KWG Score: 90 (based on 1 review)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (90)

Review date: July 1, 2010

Wine Review: When I find a 1999 California Merlot that is still going strong in 2010, I have to tell you about it. This offering from Renaissance is rather impressive. It opens with a musty black cherry bouquet. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, balanced, and very easy to drink. As you might expect, it has the look, smell, and feel of an 11 year old Merlot. Its flavor profile is a tasty slightly tart black cherry and plum mix. There are also hints of bacon and cranberry present as well. The finish is quite dry and its moderate tannins are impressive and sticky for a Merlot of this age. I would pair it with a big rack of messy ribs. CA Wine Club still has some of this gem in their warehouse. For $11 it is a steal. Click below to order some. Cheers - Ken

Winemaker Notes: Dark saturated purple-red. Big, ripe, inviting nose of plum, cherries, herbal/spicy side (rosemary/thyme), and a meaty (fresh lamb/musk) character. Medium-full bodied, with deep concentrated fruit, earthy/spicy complexity, and a lusty, alcoholic, expansive finish. Good length. This is one of our biggest wines of the great 1999 – a vintage noted for rich elegant fruit and smooth textures. While drinking well now with the appropriate roast meats or stewed dishes, it will greatly reward further aging. Drink now to 2015.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Renaissance 1999 Merlot.