Spring Mountain Cabernet is unique to the other Mountainous growing regions in Napa Valley because it produces classically structured Mountain fruit, but with more perceived suppleness than the others.  I’m also drawn to the complexity and savory undertones that often show themselves in Spring Mountain wines.  I regularly find notes of eucalyptus, bay leaves, forest floor and a range of detailed spices.  They can also be profoundly floral.  One of the best examples of classically made Spring Mountain Cabernet is Barnett’s 2016.  It’s created with 100% Spring Mountain fruit from both Barnett’s high-elevation Estate Vineyard and neighboring York Creek.  At under $100 this wine perfectly expresses the profound qualities that I look for in Spring Mountain Cabernet.

 

Fruit for Barnett’s 2016 Spring Mountain District Cabernet was harvested on six separate days ranging from late September through late October.  Each lot was aged separately for 22 months in oak before winemaker David Tate combined them into perfection.  David has been winemaker at Barnett since 2007 and before that he spent 5 years at Ridge, helping to craft their iconic Monte Bello Cabernet.  If you love Mountain fruit, you’ll want to make some room in the cellar for this one.  It’s ready to enjoy now and will age gracefully for 10-12 years.

 

Retails at:  $80/btl

 

“Blended of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot, 9% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain District is deep purple-black in color and offers up baked blackberries, crème de cassis and fruitcake scents with hints of spice box and tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, firm, chewy and with a lively line, it delivers uncomplicated baked berries flavors and an herbal lift on the finish.”91 Points

“The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (Spring Mountain District) packs quite a bit of punch, yet is also incredibly polished and sophisticated. Soft curves and silky tannins push forward a gorgeous core of dark red and purplish berry fruit, with pretty floral and spice overtones that develop over time. Open-knit and racy in the glass, the 2016 will drink well with minimal cellaring. This is an especially accessible young Spring Mountain Cabernet.”  92 Points

 

VINE CLIFF 2013 CABERNET SAUVIGNON ORIGINAL BLEND 1871 OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY Retails at:  $80/btl   Your Price: $75/btl Click to Order   From Wine Enthusiast: “Leather, tobacco and mocha combine effortlessly in this medium-bodied wine, a juicy, broad expression of the variety that drinks well. Black cherry and currant fruit flavors integrate into the quiet oak.“92 Points

CABAUD 2014 BENEDICTIONS CABERNET SAUVIGNON OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY Retails at: $150/btl   Your Price: Insider Club Members Only Click Here to Join Our (Free) Insider’s Club & Unlock Special Offers  Click to Order   Tasting Notes: “A beautifully deep ruby color immediately captures your imagination of what is about to unfold… A quick swirl and sniff reveals a nose of red currants, black plum skin, wet stone, hints of English rose petals and sweet vanilla oak. Then at first sip, layers of lush red plums, dried blueberries, wild mountain blackberries combine with hints of green tea and tobacco leaf…”  96 Points