Winemaker Notes
The Red Wine Cellar Selection from the Spring Mountain of Napa Valley gives a brilliant ruby red. The nose is intense and complex with vanilla and toasted hazelnuts married with powerful blackberry aromas. The mouthfeel is soft and balanced, expressive tannins are true to the cooler Spring Mountain region with lively texture, lavender, olives and explosive chocolate notes on the long finish. Fresh, soft and so expressive, a red meat stew or a ribeye would be the perfect pairing.
Blend: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2019 Heir Apparent Red Wine Cellar Selection features scents of cedar, loam and ripe cherries. Medium to full-bodied, this is nicely rounded and harmonious, with hints of mocha, a silky feel and a long finish. No need to cellar this wine any further.
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James Suckling
A savory-fruit expression with rhubarb, tobacco and cedary undertones to the plums and dried orange peel. Quite juicy, crunchy and fluid, with a medium body that shows nice drinkability and refined tannins. Long, savory finish.
Made with love in Napa Valley, the family behind Heir Apparent prides itself on cultivating a sustainable and responsible approach to viticulture. Like a vibrant family, fine wine is a living tale, nurtured with unwavering devotion. It's a journey of care, never hurried; a challenge that earns the sweetest rewards. From rugged soil, the vines burst forth with vigor, a tribute to the very essence of life.
One of the hallmarks of Heir Apparent is its commitment to showcasing the unique characteristics of various Napa Valley appellations. Napa Valley is known for its diverse microclimates and terroirs, which offer the team an incredible palate of flavors and aromas to work with. Heir Apparent seizes this opportunity by producing special releases of wines from different appellations, each with its distinct identity.
They firmly believe that the true heirs to the rich winemaking tradition are the extraordinary customers who have the privilege of experiencing the meticulously crafted wines. The winery's unwavering commitment to uncompromising quality and innate ability to capture the quintessence of Napa Valley in every bottle make Heir Apparent wines a cherished choice among discerning wine enthusiasts and collectors alike.
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.
Above the town of St. Helena on the eastern slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains sits the Spring Mountain District.
A dynamic region, its vineyards, cut by numerous springs and streams, vary in elevation, slope and aspect. Soils differ throughout with over 20 distinct types inside of the 8,600 acres that define the appellation. Within that area, only about 1,000 are planted to vineyards. Predominantly farmed by small, independent producers, the region currently has just over 30 wineries.
During the growing season, late afternoon Pacific Ocean breezes reach the Spring Mountain vineyards, which sit at between 400 and 1,200 feet. Daytime temperatures during mid summer and early fall remain slightly cooler than those of the valley floor.
Spring Mountain soils—volcanic matter and sedimentary rock—create intense but balanced reds with lush and delicate tannins. The area excels with Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot and in some cooler spots, Chardonnay.