Winter Release Montecillo Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Library Release)
2016

Winemaker’s Notes

The magical Montecillo Vineyard was planted in 1964 at 1,700 feet on the steep slope of Moon Mountain, a stone’s throw across the Napa-Sonoma border on the west side of Mount Veeder. Its highly eroded iron-rich red soils yield wines of unmistakable pedigree: distinct, powerful, complex flavors that can only be achieved in this rugged place—a pure, natural translation of gnarly old vines on the rockiest soils imaginable.

Our 2016 bottling is among the most texturally layered examples this vineyard has produced—soft, broad, and chewy with a fine interplay between naturally wild site elements and vintage-driven powerful fruity ones.

Deep, penetrating aromas of black plum, cassis, olive tapenade and dusty stone merge with Provencal herbal complexity. A lingering lift of red fruit and sea spray add freshness. The full, rich entry is immediately plush and layered with a broad, mouth-coating texture. Incredible dark chocolate flavors meld with blackcurrant and smoky pine, framed by dense tannins. Subtle, savory notes emerge as the forward youthful fruit fades and the wine finishes with mint and earthy complexity. Drink from late 2018 through 2024.

Andy Smith