Mount Veeder Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Introduction
Mount Veeder Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 is a red wine from the United States, produced in the Napa Valley appellation of California. The winery is a champion of mountain viticulture, drawing fruit from its estate vineyards rooted deep in the Mayacamas Mountains, specifically the Mount Veeder AVA (American Viticultural Area). Winemaking on Mount Veeder dates back to the 1860s, with the modern era beginning when Michael and Arlene Bernstein first planted vines in 1965. They were among the first in California to plant all five classic Bordeaux varieties, and their 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon was the first wine to bear the Mount Veeder designation. The winery's philosophy is to craft wines that express the exceptional quality, character, and spirit of the storied mountain, with a dedication to reflecting the wild beating heart of the rugged appellation.
Wine Description
The wine has a deep, dark magenta hue. The aromatic profile is expressive, offering notes of baking spices, cedar, fig, and black cherry. It also features robust, deeply scented aromas of mulberries, blackcurrants, pine needles, and spices. Critics also note earthy aromas of bay laurel, forest loam, and a hint of wild blackberry.
The blend is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Merlot for the Napa Valley bottling, though the exact percentage varies slightly by label, with some blends being 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. A significant portion of Merlot is included in the 2022 vintage, which adds freshness, bright red fruit notes, and a plush texture. The wine is full-bodied. The palate is soft yet structured, with brooding red fruit flavours that are concentrated and pure. It features plush, firmly integrated tannins and moderate to bright acidity, giving notes of mocha, dark cherries, tapenade, and dried herbs. The aging process for this cuvée involves 19 months in oak, with 42% new French oak, 21% new American oak, and 37% used French oak. Stylistically, it is balanced, pure, and layered, conveying tons of Mount Veeder character in its red-toned fruit and earthy notes. The finish is long, lingering with notes of black tea and bramble. The ABV is 14.6%. The wine is structured and built for extended ageing, with a potential to see its 20th birthday in fine form.
Accolades
James Suckling - 93 points
Wine Spectator - 92 points
Food Pairing
This Cabernet Sauvignon pairs excellently with robust dishes such as grilled ribeye steak, braised short ribs, or a hearty mushroom risotto. The wine's depth and character are highlighted when accompanied by rich, savoury flavours.
Vintage Quality
The 2022 vintage was marked by a challenging, prolonged heat wave around Labour Day, which accelerated harvest at many sites. However, this was immediately followed by much cooler weather and a bit of rain. This refreshing slow-down allowed the remaining grapes to hang longer, yielding beautifully balanced fruit and polished tannins. The overall vintage is described as having fresh, pure, and concentrated flavours. The winemakers adapted to the challenging vintage, resulting in expressive aromatics, generous fruit, and soft tannins that are enjoyable upon release.
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Product Information
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Description
Introduction
Mount Veeder Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 is a red wine from the United States, produced in the Napa Valley appellation of California. The winery is a champion of mountain viticulture, drawing fruit from its estate vineyards rooted deep in the Mayacamas Mountains, specifically the Mount Veeder AVA (American Viticultural Area). Winemaking on Mount Veeder dates back to the 1860s, with the modern era beginning when Michael and Arlene Bernstein first planted vines in 1965. They were among the first in California to plant all five classic Bordeaux varieties, and their 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon was the first wine to bear the Mount Veeder designation. The winery's philosophy is to craft wines that express the exceptional quality, character, and spirit of the storied mountain, with a dedication to reflecting the wild beating heart of the rugged appellation.
Wine Description
The wine has a deep, dark magenta hue. The aromatic profile is expressive, offering notes of baking spices, cedar, fig, and black cherry. It also features robust, deeply scented aromas of mulberries, blackcurrants, pine needles, and spices. Critics also note earthy aromas of bay laurel, forest loam, and a hint of wild blackberry.
The blend is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Merlot for the Napa Valley bottling, though the exact percentage varies slightly by label, with some blends being 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. A significant portion of Merlot is included in the 2022 vintage, which adds freshness, bright red fruit notes, and a plush texture. The wine is full-bodied. The palate is soft yet structured, with brooding red fruit flavours that are concentrated and pure. It features plush, firmly integrated tannins and moderate to bright acidity, giving notes of mocha, dark cherries, tapenade, and dried herbs. The aging process for this cuvée involves 19 months in oak, with 42% new French oak, 21% new American oak, and 37% used French oak. Stylistically, it is balanced, pure, and layered, conveying tons of Mount Veeder character in its red-toned fruit and earthy notes. The finish is long, lingering with notes of black tea and bramble. The ABV is 14.6%. The wine is structured and built for extended ageing, with a potential to see its 20th birthday in fine form.
Accolades
James Suckling - 93 points
Wine Spectator - 92 points
Food Pairing
This Cabernet Sauvignon pairs excellently with robust dishes such as grilled ribeye steak, braised short ribs, or a hearty mushroom risotto. The wine's depth and character are highlighted when accompanied by rich, savoury flavours.
Vintage Quality
The 2022 vintage was marked by a challenging, prolonged heat wave around Labour Day, which accelerated harvest at many sites. However, this was immediately followed by much cooler weather and a bit of rain. This refreshing slow-down allowed the remaining grapes to hang longer, yielding beautifully balanced fruit and polished tannins. The overall vintage is described as having fresh, pure, and concentrated flavours. The winemakers adapted to the challenging vintage, resulting in expressive aromatics, generous fruit, and soft tannins that are enjoyable upon release.
