Mount Veeder Winery Reserve Red 2017
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Blend: 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec, 6% Merlot
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Tasting Panel
Blended with a small percentage of Malbec and Merlot, this Cabernet Sauvignondominant red aged 20 months in small French oak barrels, the majority of the fruit, grown in mountain vine yards, was harvested before the 2017 Napa Valley fires. Concentration shows itself in a shock of spiced sandalwood and black fruit while chewy tannins form a backbone surrounded by roast beef, graph ite, and persevering blackplum intensity. The sensuous mouthfeel lifts savory tones of espresso and cigar leaf, leading to a satisfying, focused finish.
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Wine Spectator
Ripe and gutsy, punchy and lively, marrying tarry-edged grip with a mix of steeped fig, blackberry and blueberry fruit flavors before the singed sage, juniper and black tea accents weave in on the finish. Cellar for maximum effect. Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Best from 2022 through 2038.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2017 Proprietary Red Wine Reserve is composed of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec and 6% Merlot. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, it rolls effortlessly out of the glass with open-knit scents of boysenberries, warm cassis and fruitcake with touches of Indian spices, charcoal and pencil lead. Medium to full-bodied, the palate gives mouth-coating black fruit preserves and earthy layers, framed by grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing on a lingering mineral note.
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Wine Enthusiast
A blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot and 6% Malbec, this wine is thick, concentrated and powerful in sticky, grippy tannin. Black fruit, leather and dried herb combine across a foundation of toasted oak and baking spice that appeal in full-bodied intensity.
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Mount Veeder Winery is a dramatic estate with three vineyards carved high in the hillsides of the Mayacamas Mountains, overlooking southern Napa Valley. The property totals 121 acres, mostly forest and brush, out of which only 47 are planted to vine.
Vines ranging from 1,000–1,600 feet in elevation cling to rugged, steep slopes that offer cool conditions that lead to slow ripening, which extends the growing season. Mount Veeder is usually the last to harvest in Napa Valley. The result is fruit with highly concentrated flavors - big, bold and brambly - a Cab lover's feast.
Mount Veeder Winery was the first in Napa Valley to plant all five red Bordeaux varieties in the same vineyard. Its expertise with these grapes is manifest in Mount Veeder Winery Reserve, a meritage blend of these noble grapes, which are still grown on the property.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Centered at the peak for which it is named, Mount Veeder is Napa’s largest sub-AVA. But even though the entire appellation spreads over 16,000 acres, vineyards cover a mere 1,000. Scattered among Douglas firs and bristlecone pines, Mount Veeder vineyards extend south from the upper elevations of the Mayacamas Mountains—the highest point at 2,400 feet—to the border of the Carneros region. Less than 25 wineries produce wine from Mount Veeder fruit.
Winemaking began early in this appellation. In 1864, Captain Stelham Wing presented the first Mount Veeder wine to the Napa County Fair; it came from today’s Wing Canyon Vineyard. Prohibition, of course, halted winemaking and viticulture wasn’t revitalized until the founding of Mayacamas Vineyards in 1951 and Bernstein Vineyards in 1964.
The Bernstein Vineyards was actually home to the first Petit Verdot in California, planted in 1975. Today most of the Petit Verdot in Napa Valley originates from this vineyard.
Rocky volcanic clay and ancient seabed matter dominate Mount Veeder soils—perfect for Bordeaux varieties. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot enjoy spectacular success. These varieties produce wines rich in brambly blackberry and black cherry fruit with herbal and floral aromatics. Structures are moderate to assertive and wines have great staying power.
Chardonnay from Mount Veeder is lush, full and balanced mineral and fresh citrus flavors.