Tasting Notes

Release Date: Fall 2011

2007 was an historic drought year. Seventeen inches of rain fell, which was the lowest amount since 1977. I was expecting the worst but was pleasantly surprised that the vines grew normally and yielded the desired amount - just less than two tons per acre.

In the world of California Cabernet the 2007 vintage is gaining in reputation and for good reason. Moderate temperatures throughout the summer with a glorious cool, dry autumn ripened the late-season Sauvignon completely without becoming overripe.

From the October 2011 issue of Wine & Spirits Magazine comes this review and 98 points: "Open every stop on your cabernet church organ: Pure cassis. Mountain freshness. Baking spice. The pencil lead of Graves in that less-than-overripe varietal character. This is unadulterated Cabernet pleasure, three words that have never come together in my mind before. ...Between the cool site, the exceptional vintage and pedigree of the vines, this is a true California classic."

Production

1,470

Tech Notes

Yield: 2.1 tons per acre Harvest: September 26th-October 25th Numbers @ Harvest: 23.5 Brix, 3.5 pH, 7.1 grams acidity Cepage: 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 1.5% Cabernet France, & 1.5% Petit Verdot Barrel Regimen: French 50%; American 50%--1/2 new; aged 22 months in barrel Bottling: August 2009; no fining or filtration Alcohol: 13.5%

Reviews

98 points Wine & Spirits Magazine - October 2011

#1 Years Best Cabernets-December 2011

Open every stop on your cabernet church organ: Pure cassis. Mountain freshness. Baking spice. The pencil lead of Graves in that less-than-overripe varietal character. This is unadulterated cabernet pleasure, three words that have never come together in my mind before. Grown at an elevation of 1,800 feet, 14 miles from the coast, this vineyard traces its heritage back to Château Margaux, where Emmett Rixford selected cutting from La Questa in the 1890’s. Martin Ray propagated cutting from those wines to plant Mount Eden in the 1940’s, replanted in the 1980’s with a selection from Ray’s vines. Between the cool site, the exceptional vintage and pedigree of the vines, this is a true California classic

93 points Steve Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar  - May/June 2011

Bright ruby.  Seductive aromas of red- and blackcurrant, singed plum, mocha and minerals, with a smoky overtone.  Sappy and smooth in the mouth, with a compelling sweetness to its layered dark berry and cherry flavors.  Deep but very energetic, with Pauillac-like iron and tobacco notes and building floral character. The finish is gently tannic, sweet and extremely long.  There’s 14% merlot and 1.5% each of cabernet franc and petit verdot in here.

91 points Robert Parker Jr's The Wine Advocate - August 2011

Issue #196

The Mount Eden 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate possesses a solid core of dark red fruit supported by firm yet well-integrated tannins. It is a typical mountain vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon that needs time in the bottle to come together. The finish is sweet and inviting. The blend is 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14 % Merlot and 1.5% each Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022.