Winemaker Notes
Capitalizing on the diversity of Spring Mountain's complex vineyard, vines are planted in 135 discrete hillside blocks that rise from 400 to 1,600 feet above sea level on the eastern slopes of Spring Mountain. The austere mountain soils yield fewer than two tons of grapes per acre, yet the resulting wines reflect intense varietal character, supple tannin structure and bright acidity. To fully preserve the unique qualities of each block, the fruit from each is kept separate for fermentation and barrel aging. After selecting only the most elegant wines from specific barrels of the classic Bordeaux varietals, Elivette is blended to become the finest expression of the Spring Mountain Vineyard.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This a young wine with length and beauty. Full body, ultra-fine tannins; chewy and refined. Very reserved and tight. Depth and restraint here. Better in 2020.
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Wine Enthusiast
This is a lovely, structured blend half Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Petit Verdot, 15% Malbec, 14% Cabernet Franc and 4% Merlot, from the mountainous estate. Opening in a sweet nose of sage and vanilla, it's savory in red currant and cassis, with grippy tannins. Enjoy best from 2024–2030.
Cellar Selection -
Wine & Spirits
This cabernet sauvignon–based blend emphasizes floral notes of lilac, cool eucalypt forest scents and lean tannins. Those tannins bring a bitter-chocolate and cola flavor, holding the wine youthfully tight. Built to cellar, this will become more expansive with bottle age.
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.