Winemaker Notes
From the volcanic soils in the blocks residing at the summit of Stony Hill's vineyard, their 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is showing beautifully. 2019 was a warm year with late spring rains and a true, dry fall finish. e late spring rains imbued wines with a characteristic freshness and tension, balanced by a generous fruit profile. Bing cherry, cassis, pomegranate seed, singed bay leaf, and cacao sings from the glass. The palate receives a structure showing breadth and presence with lacey tannins and a delicate, persistent finish.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Offers lovely red currant, raspberry and mulled cherry fruit aromas and flavors that swirl through, with hints of sweet bay leaf, pine forest and wet earth peeking through. Modestly structured, but with Spring Mountain's textbook aroma and flavor profile. Drink now through 2032.
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.
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.