1999 Dolce Saint Nicholas, Napa Valley
Wine Specs
Vintage
1999
Appellation
Napa Valley
Vineyard Designation
Saint Nicholas
Harvest Date
December 6, 1999
Aging
19 months in French oak (100% new)
Fermentation
3 to 12 weeks
Residual Sugar
10.4%
In Stock
Dolce Saint Nicholas is a rare, one-of-a-kind bottling made from grapes picked on December 6, 1999, the feast day of Saint Nicholas. The unusually late harvest yielded just four barrels of wine, enough to make 1,000 hand-numbered, 750 ml bottles.
Wine Specs
Vintage
1999
Appellation
Napa Valley
Vineyard Designation
Saint Nicholas
Harvest Date
December 6, 1999
Aging
19 months in French oak (100% new)
Fermentation
3 to 12 weeks
Residual Sugar
10.4%
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
Enticing aromas and flavors of layered apricot,
peach and pear mingle with minerals and spicy notes. On the palate, this wine has a lovely
oily and mouthwatering texture. The finish is truly exceptional, marking the 1999 Dolce Saint
Nicholas a rare and unlikely blend—and a true pleasure to experience. (Tasted December 2012)
Vineyard Notes
The 17-acre Dolce vineyard is located in Coombsville, east of the city
of Napa, and is situated at the base of the Vaca Mountains, which define the eastern
border of the valley. The volcanic soil is loose and well drained and the west-facing vineyard
is protected from the prevailing winds so that the damp, morning fog – a very important
component in the development of botrytis cinerea – hangs longer among the vines, often until
mid-day. A combination of high humidity followed by drying conditions encourages, but
does not guarantee, the growth of botrytis. As the mold develops its coverage is uneven with
individual berries succumbing to botrytis at different rates.
