Domaine Eden Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
(Santa Cruz Mountains, California) - [VM 94]

About the Winery:

Located in the mountains above Saratoga. Mount Eden Vineyards was founded in 1945, although its history goes back much further: Native Burgundian Paul Masson arrived in California in 1878, established a winery, planted Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with cuttings obtained from his Burgundian pal Louis Latour, and pioneered the production of sparkling wine in the Santa Cruz Mountains. But then came prohibition to ruin it all. Then came the legend Martin Ray in 1943 to buy Masson's wine company and plant those cuttings in what is now the Mount Eden Estate, sitting 2,000 feet overlooking Saratoga and the entire Bay Area. He also planted Cabernet Sauvignon with cuttings from Chateau Margaux.

Today, the Mount Eden wines show the same amazing qualities found in many of the 1er and Grand Crus of Burgundy; minerality, complexity, ripe orchard fruit, but restrained use of new oak.

Domaine Eden is a mountaintop wine estate purchased by Mount Eden Vineyards in 2007. Modeled after Mount Eden, it was founded and built by the late Tom Mudd in 1983, who initially planted the Mount Eden clonal selections of Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, which evolved to include Pinot Noir from various Dijon and California selections. This is the former home of Cinnabar Winery.

Notes from the Winemaker:

2019 was a beautiful year for grape growing in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The winter was generous with moisture and coolness. The spring was stormy in May, but the late-season Bordeaux varieties escaped harm and set a   modest crop. The harvest schedule was more typical and started in late September and into October, which was encouraging.

This wine is a composite of our appellation, produced from five distinct vineyards. All of them are a short distance from Domaine Eden, with our staff farming the majority. When we started this in 1999, we wanted to offer a wine reflecting our region, which is unlike any other. A coastal, high elevation, Cabernet-based Bordeaux blend made to the Mount Eden style—structured and terroir-driven—that is also ageable and affordable.

All fermentations were indigenous, with no fining or filtration. There are loamy earth scents along with currant, blackberry and cedar. The palate is bright with blue fruit, acidity and balanced tannins. A good cellar choice for the next 7-12 years.

94 Points - Vinous Media: