Growing Conditions
This 2014 Amici Cellars Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is a fresh, elegant expression of its famous appellation. The vineyard source for this wine sits on the eastern side of the Mayacamas at an elevation of approxi- mately 1500 feet. The combination of morning sun and evenings cooled by mountain air allowed the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly without major heat spikes. These conditions produced an elegant, balanced wine with spicy aromas and Spring Mountain’s signature dark red fruit and graceful tannins, highlighted by fresh acidity.
The Spring Mountain appellation lies above the town of St. Helena on the eastern slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains that separate Napa Valley from Sonoma Valley. The area is defined by small vineyards, often hand-tilled on terraces and sloping meadows, and wineries hidden from view among steep winding roads. Over the years, despite its limited space and remoteness, the Spring Mountain appellation has produced an abundance of wines acclaimed worldwide for an unmistakable profile. Unlike other mountain appellations, these wines have an intense flavor that leans more to dark red fruit than black, with an earthy minerality and unusually silky, balanced tannins.
2014 was an excellent vintage for Napa winemaking, the third consecutive such vintage, following the stunning successes of both 2012 and 2013. Despite a regional drought, significant rains in February and March gave the vineyards a healthy soaking, and set up the vines for early budbreak. A mild spring and “perfect” summer temperatures brought grapes to optimum ripeness before an early harvest. The resulting wines show intense aromatics and complex fruit character.
Winemaking
This deeply colored wine opens with concentrated aromas of blackberry and pomegranate fruits with notes of five-spice and dried herbs. On the palate is it elegant yet packed with muscle and power, densely textured and showing flavors of complex dried fruits, toasty oak, and a long, savory finish.
Aging
92% stainless steel, 8% barrel fermented. Aged
22 months in 100% new French oak barrels
