1999

Rating: 9/10 - Drink or Keep.

Piedmont growers witnessed challenging growing conditions, with heavy humidity in August and September rains making rot a serious hazard. Growers who pruned mercilessly and who made a rigorous selection at harvest time were rewarded with a small but sound crop. The Barolos and Barbarescos are very good and are reminiscent of the 95s in style and structure.

1999 was the third top vintage in a row in Tuscany. Despite the wet weather in most of Italy, the region remained hot and dry for most of the growing season, although there was intermittent rain during the harvest. Those who picked before the September rains have produced deeply coloured wines that are brimming with rich, ripe fruits. Nicolo Incisa della Rocchetta of Tenuta San Guido (producers of Sassicaia) said of the vintage - "It may not be as good as the exceptional 1997 or the even better 1998, but it is very good."