Tasting Notes

Release Date: Spring 2012

This wine is sourced from a mix of Mount Eden’s estate, Domaine Eden and three nearby vineyards owned by dear friends who spend a “king’s ransom” for perfection. The concept is to offer a Bordeaux-styled Cabernet which speaks of the Santa Cruz Mountains – specifically the mid-appellation. This is complementary to our historic Estate Cabernet which is solely from the vineyards at Mount Eden.

The blend is always somewhat of a surprise as the varietal composition changes year to year. The 2008 is composed of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10 % Cabernet France, 9% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, and 1% Malbec. Unfined, unfiltered, all fermentations were with native yeasts. Nothing added, nothing taken away.

The wine is as expected: Savory not sweet (aka Napa Cabs) with complex elegant berry fruit of black currant and black cherries with tell-tale chalky-earth notes that bespeak of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Worthy of cellaring for 10-15 years, it is an incredible value.

Production

2,507

Tech Notes

Yield: 2 tons per acre

Harvest: September 4th-October 27th

Numbers @ Harvest: 23.0° Brix, 3.40 pH, 8.0 grams acidity

Cepage: 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 9% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec

Barrel Regimen: 50% French, 50% American- 1/2 new; aged 24 months in barrel

Bottling: August 2010; no fining or filtration

Alcohol: 13.8%

Reviews

91 points Robert Parker Jr's The Wine Advocate - August 2012

Issue #202

The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon is a beautiful fleshy wine laced with sweet tobacco, tar, game, grilled herbs and dark red raspberries. It shows fabulous depth and richness, with great personality. Firm tannins frame the finish in this exquisite beauty. The 2008 is more complex than the 2009 tasted alongside it, but will also require slightly more time. The blend is 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 9% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec, all from five vineyards in Saratoga and Los Gatos. Anticipated maturity 2013-2023.