The 2019 vintage was a warm drought year. Thankfully, few heat spikes affected the ripening. The vines were comfortable hanging fruit until late September into early October, but not to the detriment of quality. As tannins fully matured and acid levels were in balance the flavors were peaking; quite ideal really. The grapes were completely destemmed and took about eighteen days to ferment. Then once the alcoholic fermentation completed, we pressed to about 70% new french oak barrels where they aged for 26 months. After blending the wine then went another year in our 2100 liter french oak casks. The wine was then gently filtered and bottled. The resulting wine is wonderfully delicious in its youth and also has the components for very long-term aging.

Meant to be a benchmark of mountain cabernet, the Mountain Reserve is our blend of multiple vineyards up and down the eastern-facing slopes of the Mayacamas mountains. The aromas are both polished and rustic at the same time. That balance of fruit, earth, and spice mesmerizes the olfactory and truly brings you to a place and time. As you begin to sip on this Cabernet you are swept away by rich black fruits, flavors of conifer forest, and volcanic minerality. The interplay of pine needle, loganberry, traditional black currant, and balanced oak keep you engaged and wanting more. It’s quite youthful, but not shy at all. The layers peel away as time in the glass shows the focus and linear edge of Mt. Veeder, the floral finesse and fine tannins of Spring Mountain, while the raw power of our Knights Valley vineyard fills the core. We hope you enjoy “Mountain Reserve” as much as we do. Drink now through 2035.