The Vice, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2017

Single Vineyard

Mount Veeder, Napa Valley

Batch #11

Our vice of crafting the best Single Vineyard Cabernets from different appellations of Napa Valley, at the best value; has led us to one of the most challenging vineyards of Napa Valley, above the clouds of Mount Veeder.

2017 Vintage

A wild vintage! The year began with abundant rainfall following a historic five years of drought. Three heat waves during summer led us to harvest earlier than expected on September 15th but luckily saved us from the wildfires and smoke taint that took over the region starting October 8th.

Mount Veeder

Located in the Mayacamas Mountain range, which separates Napa Valley floor from Sonoma and the Pacific Ocean, Mount Veeder is known for its unique micro-climate that is unlike any other district of Napa. Its slopes are extremely steep, with a shallow topsoil and minimal water retention. These conditions induce a stress into the vines that results in Cabernet with pronounced depth, complexity and intensity that are unique to Mount Veeder.  The harsh setting demands that we sacrifice all for our craft, with significantly higher farming costs, and heartbreaking low yields: about 2 tons/acre, 1/3 of Napa Valley’s Cabernet Sauvignon average.

Vineyard

Located above 2000 ft of elevation where a soaring eastward view overlooks ribbons of vines draping the hillsides of Mount Veeder with Napa Valley far below. Our batch #11 vineyard is hillside with an angle of almost 30°. The cabernet Sauvignon vines struggle in volcanic soil which forces them to seek out nutrients and in turn produces tiny berries with intense concentrated fruit.  

Tasting Notes

An aromatic bouquet of dark berries and violets with hints of mocha and baking spice lures you to take a sip. The wine hits your palette, packed with savory layers of cocoa and spice that you can only remember as a rich mouth feel with youthful tannins (May 2019).

You take another sip searching for more clues; cherry, cola and vanilla may have just joined the flavor party by now but that lively long finish reminds you that you are indeed enjoying a Napa valley gem. 

Other

• 100% Cabernet Sauvignon – 100% sustainably farmed 

•  17 months in barrel – Unfined and unfiltered 

• 288 cases handcrafted – Low Sulfites

•  Release Date: June 3rd, 2019

•  Alc 14.6% - Brix 25.8 – Maceration 30 days 

•  Drink now but cellaring will reward 

• 91 Points -Wine Spectator