1999 Darmagi
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Tasting notes
This is a gorgeous showing from the 1999 Darmagi. Here, too, I suspect the magnum format helps quite a bit. When it was young, the 1999 was compact, but today the 1999 possesses exceptional balance, while retaining an essentially mid-weight expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. Grilled herbs, cassis, smoke and tobacco add complexity on the vinous, generous finish. I don't see the 1999 improving much from here, but it is peaking nicely now and should continue to drink nicely for at least several years.
Critic scores
Average Score
The Wine Advocate
Daniel Thomases, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Saturated ruby. What a pleasure it is to taste the 1999 Darmagi, which is much more balanced than the 2001 I tasted on my last visit to the estate. The 1999 offers the classic Cabernet notes of cassis, bell pepper and sweet dark fruit in a rich style, with well-integrated tannins and notable concentration while keeping a sense of poise and balance. It is a great Darmagi. Made from a blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc.
The wine press seems to have lost interest in Gaja’s Cabernet Sauvignon, but the 1999 Darmagi is the finest since the duo made in 1988 and 1989. A deep, inky ruby with black berry fruit, light herbs, and sweet oak, it is currently slightly closed up and austere, but with a brooding authority which promises well for the future. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2025. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-89000
The wine press seems to have lost interest in Gaja’s Cabernet Sauvignon, but the 1999 Darmagi is the finest since the duo made in 1988 and 1989. A deep, inky ruby with black berry fruit, light herbs, and sweet oak, it is currently slightly closed up and austere, but with a brooding authority which promises well for the future. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2025. Daniel Thomases, Wine Advocate # 149.
About the producer
Gaja has been at the forefront of the Piedmont wine scene for many years and is Barbaresco’s most decorated producer. The winery has received a record number of Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri awards – the highest accolade from Italy’s leading wine publication.