Tasting Notes

Release Date: Spring 2020

Thankfully, California’s five-year drought ended in 2016. Cool-weather and ample rainfall during the winter helped to slow the growing season. Harvest was not super early, giving the grapes time to develop a depth of flavor.

Fresh, vibrant aromas of red raspberry and loamy earth merge with a concentrated palate of currant, earth notes, and characteristic iron.

This wine is unique in the Santa Cruz Mountains in that it is an appellation wine. Our partners in this endeavor: McCarthy Family Vineyards, La Rusticana d’Orsa, Tsai Family and, of course, our Mount Eden and Domaine Eden sites all contribute to this wine. The result is a Bordeaux blend that reflects the middle of the mountain range, Saratoga and Los Gatos specifically. The vines range from sixteen to forty years old: Bordeaux varieties have an innate vigor that, with good viticulture, can allow prosperous old age. The final blend is Cabernet Sauvignon 75%, Merlot 15%, Cabernet Franc 5%, Petit Verdot 4%, and Malbec 1%.

Production

2,699

Tech Notes

Yield: 1.75 tons per acre

Harvest: September 16th-29th

Numbers @ Harvest: 23.0° Brix, 3.42 pH, 6.8 grams acidity

Cepage: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec

Barrel Regimen: French 50%- 1-3 years old; American 50%- 1-3 years old

Bottling: July 2018; no fining or filtration

Alcohol: 14%

Reviews

92 points Wine Enthusiast Magazine - October 2019

Cellar Selection

The more affordable little sister of Mount Eden, this wine, which is bolstered by 15% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec, offers black plum, wet river stones, dusty herbs and wood spice on the nose. The palate focuses on minerality, structure and savory flavors, including subtle lavender and black plum. The structure will last for ages. Drink 2020–2036.—M.K.

92 points Robert Parker Jr's The Wine Advocate - February 2020, Week 1

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 and bitter chocolate. Medium-bodied, it offers great intensity in the mouth with finely grained, ripe tannins and great freshness, finishing long and layered. —E.B.

91 points Antonio Galloni presents Vinous - October 31, 2019

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is soft, pliant and fruity, with lovely aromatic nuances that add an attractive upper register to the red cherry and plum fruit. Sweet floral overtones develop with a bit of time in the glass. The 2016 offers tons of fleshiness in the understated, gracious style of the year here. Best of all, it will drink well upon release.