In Napa Valley's viticultural landscape, Mt. Veeder stands as a sentinel of distinction, its rugged slopes cradling some of the region's most compelling Cabernet Sauvignons. Here, where the vines cling to steep inclines and roots delve deep into ancient seabeds, we witness the birth of wines that speak volumes of their origin.
Mt. Veeder's vineyards, perched between 500 and 2,600 feet above sea level, dance with the maritime breezes from San Pablo Bay. This cool embrace tempers the summer heat, creating a growing season that stretches longer than the valley floor below. Here, Cabernet Sauvignon grapes ripen slowly, gathering complexity with each passing day, their skins thickening under the mountain sun, promising wines of profound depth and structure.
The "Franciscan Mélange" that forms Mt. Veeder's soils is a winemaker's puzzle and a vine's challenge. These nutrient-poor, well-draining soils force the vines to struggle, sending their roots deep in search of water and sustenance. It's in this struggle that greatness is born – small berries with intense flavors and a high skin-to-juice ratio that translates to wines of remarkable concentration and tannic backbone.
Crafting wine on Mt. Veeder is not for the faint of heart. The steep terrain defies mechanization, demanding a hands-on approach that harkens back to the old world. Each vineyard block, each row, even each vine may require individual attention. It's a labor of love that yields limited quantities but unparalleled quality.
When we pour a glass of Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon, we're met with a wine that stands apart. The color is often a deep, brooding purple, hinting at the concentration within. Aromas of dark fruits – blackberries and plums – mingle with notes of bay laurel and a whisper of graphite. On the palate, these wines reveal their true nature: structured yet elegant, with firm tannins and a bright vein of acidity that speaks of their cool-climate origin.
Our 2022 MYTHICAL Cabernet Sauvignon draws inspiration from Mt. Veeder's austere beauty. While not exclusively from this AVA, it incorporates the essence of mountain viticulture – that perfect balance of power and finesse. The inclusion of fruit from Mt. Veeder vineyards lends our wine a structural integrity and aromatic complexity that pays homage to this remarkable terroir.
As climate change reshapes viticultural landscapes worldwide, Mt. Veeder's elevated position may prove increasingly valuable. Its cooler temperatures and extended growing season could become a refuge for producing balanced, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon in a warming Napa Valley.
In the end, Mt. Veeder's impact on Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is indelible. It challenges us to look beyond the valley floor, to appreciate the nuances that elevation and struggle can bring to a wine. It reminds us that sometimes, the most profound expressions of a place come not from ease, but from adversity overcome.
As we raise a glass of our MYTHICAL Cabernet Sauvignon, we toast to Mt. Veeder – a testament to nature's grand design and the dedicated stewards who translate its gifts into the extraordinary wines we cherish.
Liquid Stories by Aaron Pott.
Presented by Anthony Perliss.
