This week’s heist features an interesting Cabernet from Napa’s Spring Mountain Vineyards. While we are often pushing mountain Cabernet for its elegance here at WineHeist, here is our chance to show that for every rule, there is an exception. While many of the mountains surrounding Napa Valley (and throughout California) are known for lighter, more European-style wines, Spring Mountain is actually known for producing intense, rich wines. Whether this is due to the soil, the climate, or a combination of the two we don’t know, but the result is ripe, intense Cabernet that still possesses the balance, if not the finesse, of its mountain heritage.
Spring Mountain’s 2005 Estate Cabernet is sourced from a variety of vineyard blocks on Spring Mountain, allowing the winemaker to select the perfect blend. Dark red, nearly purple color in the glass foreshadows the big, dark, ripe flavors to follow. Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, and dark chocolate spring from the glass, with undercurrents of leather and cedar. The palate echoes the black cherry, with notes of violets and a finish that coats the mouth like rich chocolate truffle. A dose of mountain acidity keeps these ripe, rich flavors balanced, evoking a hint of sweet red fruit to lighten the mood. Wonderfully smooth and silky, this has Napa Cabernet written all over it.
We are excited to have found another excellent Napa Cabernet that we can offer at a significant discount and bring to you at just over $40. This Spring Mountain Cab is sure to be a hit at any dinner party, and is the perfect choice when you want a wine sure to make an impression. Serve it on its own, or with full flavored meat. Stunning wine, from a stunning property!
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
Exceptional!
Reddish-purple in color with aromas of blackberry, plum, pomegranate, herbs de Provence, and licorice. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry, cassis, and licorice that carries through, with notes of black pepper, mocha and chocolate. Very long, spicy, with a fruit-driven finish. Great aging potential.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
