Mount Eden Vineyards

Tasting Notes

Release Date: Fall 2001

I've always remarked to our customers how these ancient vines produce a style not as massive and muscular as one might expect but rather long and elegant. In working with old vines my entire career at Mount Eden, I've puzzled over the remarkable ability of really old vines to hold onto this lively, refreshing character even when being harvested super-ripe. Something about the magic of a huge root system and the tiny amount of grapes makes for this effect. The overall balance always stays intact and it becomes transcendental. Winemakers all over the world respect and love this viticultural phenomenon.

A late November harvest had us on edge as we watched the skies for weeks on end. I began to wonder about the wisdom of choosing such a risky line of work. After a very slow and cool fermentation the young wine was aged in new Bordelaise barrels for nineteen months. No fining or filtration was employed to ensure the essence of our mountain site.

Similar in vintage style to the regular Estate Cabernet, there is plenty to enjoy here. Cinnamon, mocha, cassis, and milk chocolate aromas are generous and persistent. Delicate and transparent on the palate, this wine has the signature 1998 weight. Enjoy next year through 2010.

87 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - May/June 2002

Roasted redcurrant, strawberry, flowers, tobacco and a faint weedy note on the wild nose. Juicy and laid-back; in a rather lean, dry style, with the greenness following through in the mouth. Narrows somewhat toward the back.