Nose
Very distinctive with classic cassis and pulverized rock and wet slate
with cool, inky fruits, black olives and aniseed.
Palate
Focused and intense
with a spine of fine slate like tannins running the length of the
palate. Coal dust and graphite compliment the intense cool and
crunchy black currant fruit leading to a long and refined finish.
Growing Conditions
Our Mount Veeder property was first purchased and planted to
Champagne varietals in the early 1970’s. Over the last 20 years
the majority of the property has been replanted to Cabernet
Sauvignon. The vineyard is situated in the Mayacamas Mountains
on the Western edge of the Napa Valley on steep southern
aspects at altitudes between 750-1250 feet. The altitude and
close proximity to the cooling influence from San Pablo bay
produce the longest growing season of all the Napa Valley Sub
Regions. The soil is of sedimentary origin and very well drained
capturing the minerality and vibrancy of Cabernet Sauvignon
most accurately with wines characterized by a most intense black
currant fruit and firm sinewy graphite structures.
The 2015 season was one of contrasts. The vintage was noted
by significantly reduced yields (-35-50%) a result of a cool and
damp flowering period in Spring which resulted in poor fruit
set and fewer berries per bunch. The Summer and Autumn were
hot and dry continuing the run of drought conditions which
commenced from the 2012 vintage. The quality of the fruit was
outstanding although in limited supply with the vintage likely to
be recognized as one of Napa Valley’s greatest. A wine which will reveal itself slowly over time and benefit those
who can resist the temptation. A wine that can be kept for the
next generation.
Harvest
Harvest date: October 6 - 9, 2015
Winemaking
The 2015 Mount Veeder was a selection of blocks 203, 205, 206,
211, 209, 212, 231, 240 with an average vine age of 18 years. Once
harvested, the grapes were hand-sorted to inspect individual
berries. The must was then fermented in separate lots and barrel
aged for 12 months before being blended and returned to barrel
for further maturation.
