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
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.
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