Perched high above Lake Hennessey in the Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon dominates this mountainous site. Aerial views of this vineyard give an insider’s look at the intricate patchwork of blocks on steep hillsides and terraces. Some vines are so close to the edge, you wonder, how will this survive? And yet, they thrive. A good part of that success is the soil, the dynamic climate, and the meticulous farming at this high-elevation mountain vineyard.

2019 is the hallmark vintage for the last decade. Early spring was cool and wet. These conditions pushed bud break a week later than average. Temperatures were mild, creating a textbook environment for bloom and berry set. This trend continued through verasion in July. “Let ‘em hang a little longer” was the call at the end of most scouting days as cool temperatures slowed the pace and optimized phenolic ripening at lower Brix. Hand harvested at night. Hand sorted and gently processed to ensure whole berries are fed into closed top tanks. 5 to 7 days cold soak followed by native yeast fermentation. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Sage Ridge classic. Dark ripe fruit, chocolate, leather and complex tannins underscore the mid-palate. Nuanced style that is wonderfully expressive with a lingering finish. Drinkable now but lay down for 10+ years.