Nose
Wild and complex with aromatic dried herbs, wet slate, mulberry,
violets, boysenberry and asphalt.
Palate
The palate is an exercise in
restrained power and complexity. Vibrant inky fruits of black
currants, mocha and tobacco provide the flesh. The hallmark is
the richly textured, umami like incredibly long and intense carry
balanced by fine gravelly tannins.
Growing Conditions
Newton’s Spring Mountain property was purchased in 1977
by the Newton family who quickly established 120 acres of
vineyard and a winery within the 560 acre mountainous and
heavily forested property. Now with a mature vineyard planted
exclusively to Bordeaux red varieties and in combination with
an extensive replanting program now bearing well established
vines the property represents a treasure trove of wine potential.
Our Spring Mountain property ranges in altitude from 500
to 1600 feet with a complex combination of both sedimentary
and volcanic origin soil types presenting a diverse, moderately
fertile, and well drained medium perfectly suited to Cabernet
Sauvignon. The wines are typically deeply complex with aromatic
high notes complementing the richly textured and layered palate.
The drought that has impacted much of California from 2012
continued to keep rainfall levels below 50% of average and
maintained growing season heat summation above average for the
harvest. The warm and dry conditions promoted excellent quality
and when combined with above average yields the potential of the
2014 vintage is outstanding across all varieties. The 2014 vintage is immediately approachable but with depth,
complexity and fruit intensity certain to reward long term
cellaring.
Harvest
Harvest dates: September 13 - 17, 2014
Winemaking
The 2014 Spring Mountain District was a selection of Cabernet
from blocks, 727, 728, 752, 757, 758, 780 with an average vine age
of 24 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.
