Newton Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Mt Veeder 2015

Very distinctive with classic cassis and pulverized rock and wet slate with cool, inky fruits, black olives and aniseed. Focused and intense with a spine of fine slate like tannins running the length of the palate. Coal dust and graphite compliment the intense cool and crunchy black currant fruit leading to a long and refined finish.

VINEYARD

Our Mount Veeder property was first purchased and planted to Champagne varietals in the early 1970’s. Over the last 20 years the majority of the property has been replanted to Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyard is situated in the Mayacamas Mountains on the Western edge of the Napa Valley on steep southern aspects at altitudes between 750-1250 feet. The altitude and close proximity to the cooling influence from San Pablo bay produce the longest growing season of all the Napa Valley Sub Regions. The soil is of sedimentary origin and very well drained capturing the minerality and vibrancy of Cabernet Sauvignon most accurately with wines characterized by a most intense black currant fruit and firm sinewy graphite structures.

VINTAGE CONDITIONS

The 2015 season was one of contrasts. The vintage was noted by significantly reduced yields (-35-50%) a result of a cool and damp flowering period in Spring which resulted in poor fruit set and fewer berries per bunch. The Summer and Autumn were hot and dry continuing the run of drought conditions which commenced from the 2012 vintage. The quality of the fruit was outstanding although in limited supply with the vintage likely to be recognized as one of Napa Valley’s greatest.

VINIFICATION

The 2015 Mount Veeder was a selection of blocks 203, 205, 206, 211, 209, 212, 231, 240 with an average vine age of 18 years. Once harvested, the grapes were hand-sorted to inspect individual berries. The must was then fermented in separate lots and barrel aged for 12 months before being blended and returned to barrel for further maturation. 961 cases produced.