Well I've gone on and on about the 2000 to everyone I know... better post how the '99 is.

From last tasting it's come around, but definitely still needs bottle time. I have however enjoyed tasting these as they develop. The first bottles I opened awhile ago would present well upon opening, then shut down, then open back up within about three hours. Now they are shut down and tannic monsters at opening, but the fruit really comes around after about two and a half hours in bottle. Blueberries and chocolate are in abundance on this wine... but as air gets to it the fruit gets darker and darker.. to the point of a meat like nature. Great structure, but still huge tannin that is starting to ever so slightly smooth out a bit.

Hard to compare this and the 2000.. they are so close... Rev rates it 92
I should drink the next bottle in two years... but it will probably start drinking really well in 4 to 6 based on its current evolution.

Sounds yummy...I have 3 of my 2000s left and I'm planning on cracking one - along with a bunch of other fine wines - at a party we're throwing for a good friend next week who is dropping in back from Iraq for a month. I figured I'd treat him to what he is missing by not being back in the states. I'm also picking out a selection of wines to contrast with some Cali Cabs for another friend who will be there (hosting the party) who is totally convinced that there is no wine on earth worth drinking unless its a Napa Cab. He is into intense wines - so besides the Yacochuya I'll be pouring a 99 Tardiue Laurent Cote Rotie, a 97 Allegrini Amarone, a 98 La Grave a Pomerol, a 97 Pio Cesare Barolo, a 99 or 2000 Clos Mogador, a 2001 Ded Reckoning (Washington State made from the same vinyard as Quilliceda Cab but with younger grapes - sort of a RWT as opposed to La Grange IMO...and its drinking fanastically right now). I'm also planning 2003 Chassuer Russian River Pinot, a 97 as yet to be determined Brunello (I have a slew to choose from), and possibly a nice (meaty) Rioja and a 98 Dom La Bouissere Gigondas...as well as some others...to contrast I'll also pour a 2002 Ramey Jericho Canyon and I'm considering possibly opening a 2002 Insignia...my theme being "Grape Power!"(and contrasting different varietals to show that great and meaty reds can originate from areas other then Napa...)...I suspect the Yacochuya will more then hold its own..so what do you think? I'm still finalizing my selections but I think I'll pretty much be bringing what I listed...(with consideration of a nice Zin - perhaps a Lytton Springs) and/or an Ausie Shiraz (2000 RWT is a possibility or a nice Torbreck...many possibilities however...) (hopefully i haven't strayed too far off topic in this thread - eh?)

Yea, I saw your other thread.. sounds like it'll be a great theme! To contrast and compare like styles of wine from different regions/countries should be a lot of fun! At least, it certainly would be for me.

Where was my invitation? :-D lol.