Mission Codename Higher Ames
Napa Valley’s great mountain Cabs are something else altogether, like an independent nation they ought to have their own “anthem” and all…
Been waiting to drop this but we thought it was LONG SOLD OUT. As we eagerly awaited to hear if they could scrape a few more cases out for a WIA run, the tension and excitement kept building up like the intro of “Money For Nothing”, and now it’s time. Just a word of warning - we got just enough to warrant an offer, and not a bottle more. It will be gone in hours…if not minutes.
One of the most decadent, LUSH, hedonistic, and flat out delicious Cabernets of the year that checks in at a ridiculous 64% off the $135 price tag.
Crafted by none other than Jeff Ames, a true master at his craft, having worked under Thomas Rivers Brown at Schrader, Maybach, Outpost, and TOR. Jeff also owns Rudius - and a lucky few of you might have experienced his outstanding Farella Cabernet we sold last year. If you know, then you know…
If you had the 2014, you know what to expect. This one however, shows quite a bit more of that sweet Veeder fruit and mountain Cabernet structure, and slightly less of that blown out extraction. Still it’s definitely not for those who want a more reserved or Old World style Cabernet. No way. This stuff is “SUPER flashy, ultra-ripe and undeniably sweet” as one ecstatic CellarTracker reviewer puts it well, airdropping a stack of ripe fruit onto your starved palate with a crazy density that rivals Thor’s hammer.
Packed and stacked with so much ripe blueberry, red currant, espresso, and mocha, with piles of sweet vanilla and baking spice that know no bounds. And the mouthfeel!! Soft and round, and polished. Fully resolved tannins carry into a long, long finish. Still, it has plenty of time to evolve – if you can resist. Finally, there is that head-turning bottle design, with its topographic art and super detailed winemaking info which for us is like the adult version of reading the back of a cereal box.
You almost never see Napa Cabernet of this caliber priced like this. It tastes very expensive. Easily at, or above the release price. In fact, we might need to check if we somehow slipped into the upside down, or another dimension. Whatever reality you’re living in, this needs to be part of it.
Once was $135. Today it’s under $50, and a WIA recipient.
The reviews are glowing, too, what are you waiting for??
93 Points – James Suckling
“A juicy and fruity red with chocolate, red peppers and hints of herbs. Full body, round and succulent tannins and a flavorful finish. Lovely mountain wine. Drink or hold.”
92 Points – Wine Spectator
“A polished and lush version, with boysenberry and blueberry reduction notes forming the core of flavors, while licorice snap and fruitcake hints fill in. Features a roasted apple wood backdrop, though the fruit easily takes center stage through the rich finish. Best from 2020 through 2035.”
91 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is made up of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it opens with notes of prunes, raisin cake and spice box with hints of fresh figs, tobacco and new leather. Full-bodied with a plush frame and loads of evolving baked berries layers, it has tons of spices coming through on the finish. Drink 2019-2031.”
Tasting Profile
Tasting Profile
Look | The narrow yet crystalline ruby rim quickly darkens to a nighshade black in the core. |
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Smell | Ripe blackberry, blueberry, red currant, espresso, mocha, piles of sweet vanilla, baking spice that know no bounds |
Taste | Airdrops a stack of ripe fruit onto your starved palate with a crazy density that rivals Thor’s hammer |
Finish | Packed and stacked, slightly grainy tannins and a towering structure suggest it has plenty of time to rest |
Pairing | Thaw that special dry-aged ribeye you’ve been saving for that special bottle, this is the one |
What the Winery Says
2015 Mt. Veeder Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
- Winemaker
- Jeff Ames
- Varietals
- 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot
- Vintage
- 2015
- Appellation
- Mount Veeder, Napa Valley
- Vineyard
- Anthem Estate Vineyard
- Alcohol
- 15.3%
- Clones
- 4, 7, 30, 169, 337
- Yields
- 1.9 tons per acre
- Harvest date
- September 15th, 2015
- Aging
- 18 months
- Barrels
- 88% new French oak