Deep ruby color; black cherry, blackcurrant, raspberry, plum, blackberry, orange peel, earth, graphite, chocolate, violets on the nose and palate.
Dry; fine tannins; deftly balancing acidity. Full body, smooth, silky mouthfeel; depth and complexity. Delicious ripe fruit; 100% cabernet sauvignon from Mount Veeder appellation. Aged 19 months in 42% new French oak, 21% new American oak, 37% used French oak. In spite of that somewhat assertive oak regimen, oak complements the excellent fruit rather than competes with it. Long, savory finish befits a classic Napa cab. 15% ABV
Mount Veeder Winery was born from the hard work and dedication of Michael and Arlene Bernstein. The Bernsteins first discovered the rugged property in the early 1960s and later bought it as a rustic retreat. In the ensuing years they transformed it into an enviable vineyard, almost by accident. After farming the property’s prune orchard for the first few years, a farmhand who lived on the property presented the Bernsteins with a bundle of cast-off grapevine cuttings. Michael stuck the unrooted cuttings into the ground and never gave them a drop of water. Miraculously, of the 60 cuttings planted, 58 lived. Michael turned his full attention to the vines and built his land into a thriving vineyard, ultimately making history as the first vintner in Napa Valley to plant one property to all five of the classic Bordeaux varieties.
The 1973 cabernet sauvignon was the debut wine from Mount Veeder Winery. Since that first vintage, Mount Veeder Winery has expanded to three vineyard ranches nestled high in the Mayacamas Mountains and continues to produce powerful, bold wines that are a true expression of this unique wine-growing region. Today, Mount Veeder is owned by Constellation Brands. Niki Williams, a Cal-Davis graduate, was the winemaker at Mount Veeder for this vintage. She left Mount Veeder in 2022.
Mount Veeder Winery Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2021 delivers concentrated dark fruit flavors, fine grained, silky tannins, appropriate acidity, excellent balance and elegance. Delicious example of why Mount Veeder fruit is reverenced. Oak regimen is particularly well done, contributing to the overall experience of cab power without heaviness. Just entering its best drinking stage, can age for at least another decade. Expensive, yes. Worth it, yes. $130-150
Pairing—Grilled ribeye, porterhouse, New York strip, filet mignon with porcini just; slow braised beef dishes, hearty stews; barbecue dishes with smoky sauces; cuts with spiciness and/or char. Lamb chops; baby back ribs; venison backstrap, bison, duck breast; super gormet burger with aged cheddar and bacon. Mushroom ragù over polenta. Avoid very sweet glazes, barbecue sauces, high-heat chiles, vinegar-forward dishes, pickles, delicate fish, asparagus. Cheese—Aged cheddar, aged gouda, comté, gruyère réserve, manchego curado gran reserva, parmigiano-reggiano, pecorino toscano stagionato, ossau-iraty, stilton, gorgonzola piccante, Vermont Cabot Clothbound Cheddar. Avoid soft-ripened cheese like brie and camembert, very creamy cheeses, young soft cheeses.
