Winter Release Montecillo Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
2019

Winemaker’s Notes

In 2019 the fruit from this venerable old vineyard, planted at 1,700 feet elevation atop Moon Mountain, was near perfect. It’s unusual and remarkable to replicate the once-in-a-decade quality of 2018 in a successive season, but as the fruit hung on the vine in the final few days leading up to harvest, it became clear that, while different in style, world class quality was there for the taking once again.

In the winery, this was a case of “nothing added, nothing taken away”. A classical, elegant native yeast fermentation lasting 21 days, combining the “free-run” new wine with the powerful “hearts-cut" of its pressings, then into barrel for 20 undisturbed months. When the fruit is this good, less is definitely more.

The wine itself is drenched in those typical red-mineral vapors that seem to rise out of the dark volcanic soil and create this site's signature. There’s greater succulence than 2018, less tannin but more texture and acidity, which will provide aging potential of 15+ years.

Opaque, inky purple-black color. Combines floral violets with plum and cassis fruits then cedar and bay leaf savory complexity, crushed stone and tobacco accents. The palate is silky, long, and seamless, broad and mouth filling with cascading texture and deep intensity. Black cherry and blackcurrant fruit give way to graphite, dusty cocoa and red minerals on the persistent finish. Decant if possible and drink between late-2021 and 2035.

Andy Smith