Wall Road Vineyard, Mount Veeder
2019 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
AVA: Mount Veeder
Vineyard: Wall Road Vineyard
Winemaker: Jeff Ames
Cooperage: 22 Months French Oak, Taransaud and Darnajou
Wall Road Vineyard – This three-acre gem is located at the northern tip of the Mount Veeder AVA, due west of Oakville and the To Kalon vineyard. True to the Veeder AVA, this site delivers both the power and elegance we strive to achieve in our Mountain Cabernets. The elevation, slope orientation and well-drained soils yield fully ripened small berries with concentrated flavor.
Mount Veeder AVA – Known for its acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, this illustrious appellation produces graceful, expressive and world-renowned wine. Limited by nature, Mount Veeder’s rugged mountain terrain, high elevation and cooling influence from the San Pablo Bay allows for a long growing season that returns low, sought after yields. This results in powerful fruit with distinct berry flavors.
Vintage Notes – Another exceptional Napa Valley vintage, the 2019 growing season was marked by a wet spring followed by a long, sunny summer with few extreme heat events. Consistent temperatures helped to preserve the freshness in the fruit while allowing abundant hang time – resulting in concentrated clusters with beautiful color, structure, soft tannins, and bright acidity. These wines will age beautifully for years to come.
Accolades – 2019 Wall Road Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Jeb Dunnuck, 94 | The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Wall Road Vineyard comes from Mount Veeder and is a co-fermented blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. As with all these releases, it was brought up in new barrels. More medium to full-bodied on the palate, with classic mountain tannins and vibrancy, it has impressive notes of red and black fruits, unsmoked tobacco, Herbes de Provence, and hints of leather. Long, balanced, and elegant, it will have two decades of longevity.
Robert Parker Wine Advocate, 94 | From a vineyard on Mount Veeder next to Pym-Rae (the former Robin Williams property purchased by the Tesseron family in 2016), the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Wall Road Vineyard includes a bit of co-fermented Cabernet Franc. A lovely effort, it features scents of pencil shavings, cassis and a hint of sage, displaying lovely restraint and mountain character yet also notes of dark chocolate. Full-bodied, velvety and long, with a softly dusty finish, it should drink well through at least 2040.
International Wine Report, 94 | The 2019 Wall Road Cabernet Sauvignon begins with inviting aromatics of ripe blackberry, dark currants and cassis nuances with underlying aromas of sweet spices, graphite, tobacco, violet and earth which all develop in the glass. On the palate this is richly textured and well balanced with wonderful depth. It’s packed with layers flavors of ripe black fruits and exotic spices all leading up to the supple finish. This is already showing wonderful upfront appeal, yet should also age beautifully.