Cuvée St. E (1999)

About this wine

The 1999 Cuvée St. E from J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines is a Bordeaux-style blend primarily composed of Cabernet Franc, complemented by Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine offers a smooth and creamy mouthfeel, with distinct notes of tobacco and herbs. Modeled after the wines of Saint-Émilion, it showcases the elegance and complexity characteristic of that region. The Paso Robles terroir imparts a unique Californian twist, adding depth and richness to the blend. This vintage reflects J. Lohr's commitment to crafting wines that honor Old World traditions while embracing New World innovation.

About the grape

In crafting the 1999 J. Lohr Cuvée St. E, the winemakers drew inspiration from the Grand Cru wines of Saint-Émilion, focusing on a blend dominated by Cabernet Franc, complemented by Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc, known for its aromatic qualities and finesse, thrives in Paso Robles' diverse soils and climate, contributing to the wine's complexity. Merlot adds softness and depth, while Cabernet Sauvignon provides structure and longevity. This combination showcases the adaptability of these Bordeaux varietals to California's terroir, resulting in a distinctive expression of the region's winemaking potential.

Quick facts

• 🍷 The 1999 Cuvée St. E from J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines is a Bordeaux-style blend inspired by the Grand Cru wines of Saint-Émilion, primarily composed of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
• 🇫🇷 J. Lohr's Cuvée St. E is crafted to emulate the luxurious reds of Saint-Émilion, focusing on texture and complexity without strict adherence to varietal percentages.
• 🌞🌙 The Paso Robles region, where this wine is produced, is known for its significant diurnal temperature swings, with warm days and cool nights, which contribute to the development of intense flavors and balanced acidity in the grapes.
• 🍇 Cabernet Franc, the dominant grape in this blend, is one of the parent varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon and is known for its bright red fruit flavors and aromatic qualities.
• 📅 The 1999 vintage of Cuvée St. E reflects the unique climatic conditions of that year, which influence the wine's flavor profile and aging potential.

Palate profile

Producer

J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, founded in 1974 by Jerry Lohr, is a family-owned winery that has significantly influenced California's Central Coast wine industry. Jerry Lohr, originally from South Dakota, began by planting 280 acres in Monterey County's Arroyo Seco region in 1972, recognizing its potential for cool-climate varietals like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. In 1986, he expanded to Paso Robles, planting Cabernet Sauvignon and other red varieties, contributing to the area's reputation for high-quality red wines. Today, J. Lohr farms over 4,000 acres across Monterey County, Paso Robles, and Napa Valley, producing a diverse portfolio of award-winning wines.