Winemaker Notes
The 2018 Rudd Mt. Veeder Estate Leslie's Blend emerges from the glass with distinct terroir aromatics of anise, dried tea leaves, and earthy forest floor truffles. The dark bramble fruit and subtle oak spices thread itself through the wine, creating a harmonious and elegant aromatic expression, which translates on the beginning of the palate and continues to grow in depth and power as the wine opens in the glass. The warmth of the dark cocoa nib and freshness of the tart black cherry bring an impressive cohesiveness to the midpalate which is familiar yet curiously intriguing. As the climb of the palate peaks with roasted cranberries and fresh sage, the bold and intense grip of the mountain tannins creates a distinguished finish, displaying the refined balance between youthfulness and longevity this wine embodies.
Blend: 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec
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.