Release Date: Fall 1998

Few wineries are built so intimately around its wine grape clones as this one. All three varieties, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon share similar quality characteristics: small berries, small clusters and low yields. They also share a common history of a distinct lineage from the original French vineyards brought to California by two wine pioneers in the late 1800’s. They are unique in California viticulture, in fact, they are known in the industry as the “Mount Eden clones”.

The Cabernet Sauvignon was brought originally from Chateau Margaux and formed the basis of the famous La Questa Cabernet grown in nearby Woodside, California. Thick skinned and loosely sculpted, this is truly a noble grape worthy of the austere soils at Mount Eden.

With a long and cool growing season, 1995 is definitely a Bordeaux-styled year. Good balance with integrated tannins gives suppleness to the mouth. Mineral notes accent the primary flavors of blackberry and plum. Expect a slow and graceful evolution for another five to seven years and a long plateau thereafter.