Winemaker Notes
While the Estate is a singular voice, the Domaine is a chorus. Complex, given the five varieties in the cepage, this Cabernet has aromas of briary currant, sage, mint, and sweet oak. Less tannins and acidity on the palate than is evident in the Estate, there is an earlier window of enjoyable drinking.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
It's very unusual for us to release this so early, Jeffrey Patterson explains. "We are releasing it sooner than usual because it's a great value for wine lists, sort of our mid-appellation wine." This vintage, the blend is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petite Verdot and 1% Malbec. Medium to deep ruby, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon has a very minerally nose of crushed stone, dusty earth, warm red cherries, woodsmoke and savory/herbal hints with notions of charcuterie, warm blackberries, cherries and bitter chocolate. Medium-bodied, it offers great intensity in the mouth with finely grained, ripe tannins and great freshness, finishing long and layered.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The Santa Cruz Mountains has as long and highly regarded history of producing top Cabernet Sauvignons. The 2016 Domaine Eden is beautiful and refined. TASTING NOTES: This wine is polished and smooth. Its bright aromas of red currants and mineral should pair it well with a nicely-marbled grilled ribeye. (Tasted: August 19, 2019, San Francisco, CA)
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
A rugged and topographically diverse cool-climate appellation with a rich history, the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA stretches from Half Moon Bay, just south of San Francisco, to the northern border of Monterey County. Elevations range from 800 feet to upwards of 3,000 and microclimates vary substantially depending on which side of the mountains the vineyards lie; cool ocean winds and fog play an important role here. This can be a challenging region in which to grow grapes, but it is well worth the effort. Santa Cruz Mountains wines are noted for balanced acidity levels, often showing great aging potential. Wine has been made here since the 1800s, most notably from the legendary Ridge Vineyards, whose Monte Bello vineyard garners international admiration.
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are the stars of this region, while Merlot and Zinfandel also perform quite well. Organic and sustainable vineyard practices are becoming increasingly common.