The dark ruby/purple-colored 1999 Merlot Bancroft Ranch (91% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc) exhibits clean, medium-bodied flavors with little persistence or depth.The single vineyard Merlot from the Bancroft Ranch on Howell Mountain is aged in 100% new French oak. It was sensational in 1997, but the cool growing climates of 1998, 1999, and 2000 hampered the ability for this vineyard to achieve full ripeness. (Release date 6/03) Tel. (707) 963-7115; Fax (707) 963-1735