Random Ridge
2009 Mt. Veeder District Reserve Cabernets
Red Blend
California: Napa Valley: Mt. Veeder
Mission Briefing
Cowabunga Bill
Thank you, once again, Bill Hawley!
We are very grateful for our special relationship with Random Ridge Winery and proprietor/winemaker Bill Hawley for allowing The Wine Spies special access to their coveted wines. Wine Spies Operatives have enjoyed more than a dozen offerings from Random Ridge over the years, and each time we showcase a Random Ridge wine, our Operatives buy up ever increasing quantities. Now, if only we could convince Bill to make more wine!
Today’s Random Ridge 2009 Mt. Veeder District Reserve Cabernets is a more earthy and elegant wine than previous vintages, giving the wine a dose of complexity that adds even more intrigue than we’re accustomed to from this spy-favorite winery.
We are so proud to offer you today’s smallish allocation of another very highly recommended Random Ridge stunner.
Tasting Profile
| Look: | Dark, inky scarlet at its heart, lightening to a rustic, hazy ruby fringe. |
|---|---|
| Smell: | A robust balance of fruit, earth, and spice, with stewed dark plum and blackberry, tobacco, fresh forest floor, sandalwood, dark chocolate, black pepper, and clove. |
| Taste: | Elegant and refined on the palate, with fruit and earth presented on equal footing. Black cherry, black currant, and braised boysenberry are laid overtop dark chocolate-covered espresso bean, sweet tobacco leaf, cedarwood cigar box, saddle leather, toasted dark spices, and a touch of pomegranate black tea. |
| Finish: | Classic, rich, and concentrated, the long and lasting finish is highlighted by plenty of grippy tannins and lush notes of dark, stewed fruit that slowly give way to lingering hints of earth. |
| Pairing: | Pork ribs, prepared Southern style - dry rubbed with your own secret blend of spices, and then slow roasted to perfection. Serve alongside your favorite barbecue sauce. |
What the Winery Says
- Winemaker
- Bill Hawley
- Appellation
- Mount Veeder District, Napa Valley
- Varietal Blend
- 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Cabernet Franc
- Production
- Only 8 barrels
- ABV
- 14.2%