Yates Family Vineyard Redwood Estate Alden Perry Reserve 2006
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The 35 acres of steep, hillside vineyards were replanted by the Yates’ family in the early 1980s to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. At an average elevation of over 1,100 feet, the site, with its combination of micro climates and volcanic soils, produces incredible grapes with intense fruit flavors.
The vineyard is also home to the historic ghost winery that was built in the 1800’s. Known then as "Castle Rock Vineyard", Ernest Streich, with son Robert, farmed and made wine until Prohibition in one of the original gravity flow wineries. Ahead of their time, they were one of the first to experiment with cultured yeast and temperature to control their fermentations.
These elements all contribute to the extremely long-lived wines from this vineyard. Ultimately the telling is in the tasting. We hope you will avail yourself of the opportunity to discover our very special wines.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Centered at the peak for which it is named, Mount Veeder is Napa’s largest sub-AVA. But even though the entire appellation spreads over 16,000 acres, vineyards cover a mere 1,000. Scattered among Douglas firs and bristlecone pines, Mount Veeder vineyards extend south from the upper elevations of the Mayacamas Mountains—the highest point at 2,400 feet—to the border of the Carneros region. Less than 25 wineries produce wine from Mount Veeder fruit.
Winemaking began early in this appellation. In 1864, Captain Stelham Wing presented the first Mount Veeder wine to the Napa County Fair; it came from today’s Wing Canyon Vineyard. Prohibition, of course, halted winemaking and viticulture wasn’t revitalized until the founding of Mayacamas Vineyards in 1951 and Bernstein Vineyards in 1964.
The Bernstein Vineyards was actually home to the first Petit Verdot in California, planted in 1975. Today most of the Petit Verdot in Napa Valley originates from this vineyard.
Rocky volcanic clay and ancient seabed matter dominate Mount Veeder soils—perfect for Bordeaux varieties. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot enjoy spectacular success. These varieties produce wines rich in brambly blackberry and black cherry fruit with herbal and floral aromatics. Structures are moderate to assertive and wines have great staying power.
Chardonnay from Mount Veeder is lush, full and balanced mineral and fresh citrus flavors.