92 points - Tasting Panel Magazine
The previous vintage of Spring Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon was a huge hit when we offered it earlier this year, so we jumped at the chance to secure an allocation of the equally stunning 2006 vintage. Spring Mountain uses all estate grown fruit from their vineyards on Spring Mountain, an estate that dates all the way back to the 1870s, with a tiny percentage of Cab Franc and Petit Verdot blended into the Cabernet Sauvignon for added complexity. The careful attention to detail that Spring Mountain pays in their farming and winemaking shines through in the finished wine, which shows off both the exuberant fruit of Napa Valley Cabernet, and the structure of high altitude vineyards.
The 2006 Spring Mountain Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is dark garnet in color, with a purple core. The nose is astoundingly complex, with classic Cabernet aromas of currant, leather, cigar box, and black cherry, along with more exotic notes of cinnamon and vanilla. The palate is loaded with black currant and licorice, along with just the slightest hint of dried herb. The tannins are smooth and voluptuous, gently coating the palate with layers of flavor, while good acidity lengthens the finish and balances out the ripe fruit flavors. This is definitely complex enough to be a candidate for enjoying without food, but it's so graceful that it will pair with anything from medium to full flavored dishes, especially those starring red meat. This is one to buy a case of for the cellar, and break out when its time to impress!
Appellation: Napa Valley - Spring Mountain District Estate Grown and Bottled
Assemblage: Cabernet Sauvignon 93%, Cabernet Franc 5%, Petit Verdot 2%
Alcohol: 14.5%
Aging: 22 Months in French Oak
Bottled: August 2008
Released: May 2010
Production: 4,408 Cases
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
92 Points
Deep floral notes (violets), blackberry, black cherry, and cassis. Driven by the mountain's steep, cool-climate terroir, it balances rich notes of blackberry and pomegranate seamlessly intertwined with dark plum, cocoa dust, and roasted mocha, hints of roasted mocha and spice undertones add depth to its complex profile, culminating in a bold, yet elegant finish.
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