Returning customers probably know that we here at Wine Heist get pretty excited about “mountain” cabernet, sourced from high elevation vineyards throughout California. Today’s offering comes from the Santa Cruz Mountains above San Francisco Bay. Home to Ridge’s famed Monte Bello vineyard, and pioneers like Martin Ray and David Bruce, this area has always attracted vintners looking from something a little different, and that is exactly what we are serving up today. How often do you find mountain cab, with a little bit of bottle age, stored perfectly by the winery, for under $30?
The 2002 Cooper-Garrod George’s Vineyard is sourced from a tiny parcel of their estate vineyards planted over 30 year ago, using cuttings from some of the first cabernet grown in California. Purple in color, it is just starting to show a little garnet on the rim, hinting that its youthful stage is ending. The nose is stunningly complex, showing some plum and blackberry, but dominated by secondary aromas of earth, ginger, potpourri, graphite and an unusual but very pleasant gamey note. This is the kind of nose that is only possible once a wine has sat in bottle and had a chance to evolve. The palate echoes the plum and earth, with a touch of blueberry. It is perfectly integrated, with a wonderfully silky texture, nice acidity, good structure, and rounded tannins. The finish is all plum and spice, and goes on and on.
Besides its age, the other key to this wine is its alcohol level. At just 12.6%, there is a soft, supple elegance to this wine, something that seems to get lost as wines creep up over 15% alcohol. Once again, this is possible thanks to the climate in this high-elevation vineyard, where sun is abundant, but cool nights prevent over-ripeness. The result is a wine that is intense without being overpowering, and that is perfect for the dinner table. Filet mignon, Cornish hen, pumpkin soup… the possibilities are endless. Although this will probably hold for several years, it seems to be in its prime drinking window right now, with its secondary aromas still accompanied by a healthy dose of dark fruit. Don’t pass up this chance to pick up some perfectly aged mountain cab at an incredible price!
95 Points
Entices with aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, and cedar spice. Indicative of the cool vintage, the wine carries a freshness throughout. The palate offers a harmonious balance between bright red fruit, spice, and nicely woven tannins.
93 Points
Aromas of blackcurrant, dark plum, and cedar unfold alongside soft notes of vanilla and toasted oak. On the palate, structured tannins frame layers of black cherry, baking spice, and a subtle herbal lift from the Merlot blended beneath the Cabernet's backbone. Medium-bodied gem with good concentration finishing long and warm, with lingering impressions of cocoa and dried fig.
94 Points
Decadent, rich, and supple. Aromas of black cherry, dark chocolate, crushed stone, dried herbs, and cedar lead into layered notes of cassis, fennel, baked plums, mocha powder, and cigars dusted with roasted Herbs de Provence, earth and red volcanic mineral notes. Full-bodied and rich, with a firm spine of racy acidity and ultra-fine, gravelly tannins that carry the lasting, mouthwatering finish.
94 Point Vintage
Deep garnet core with an elegant ruby-brick rim—a striking sign of its library maturity. Aromas of black cherry, cassis, and macerated blackberry, seamlessly transitioning into sophisticated layers of cedar, graphite, crushed violet, and cured tobacco. A savory accent of bay laurel, cocoa nib, and warm earth adds impressive intrigue. The palate delivers dense dark fruit framed by velvety, melted tannins and vibrant acidity that keeps the wine lifted and fresh. Finishes long and seamlessly, lingering with espresso, black plum, aged leather, and a fine crushed-stone minerality.
Exceptional
In the glass this wine open with aromas of ripe black cherry, bark, cedar, dried orange peel, a touch of black pepper. The palate equally rich with flavors expanding into notes of fresh picked cherry, chocolate, and crushed stone and a touch of white pepper. Together, these lavish flavors, coupled with an elegant mouthfeel and a long engaging finish make a fantastic wine.
96 Points
Aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry liqueur, and purple flowers drive the nose of this energetic Syrah which is co-fermented with a whisper of Viognier. Gracing the palate are dark berries, plum, blackberries, peppercorns, hints of sweet tobacco, and well-positioned oak spice with plush acid and rich tannin peaking through the finish.
