Mayacamas Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
(Napa Valley, California) - [VM 97] [WS 96] [JD 96] [JS 95]

About the Winery:
Mayacamas Vineyards has been a source of legendary California wine since 1889. As the newest owners in a lineage of pioneering caretakers spanning more than 125 years, we faithfully steward Mayacamas Vineyards toward a bright future, ever mindful of the great traditions of the past.

Notes from the Winemaker:

100% Cabernet Sauvignon 

Appellation: Mt. Veeder

20-30 yr old vines

2000ft elevation

Volcanic and ancient marine soils

Fermentation in cement vats (60%), stainless steel tanks (30%, and neutral French puncheon (10%)

20 months in large format foudres, and 12 months in barrique. After bottling, the wine was cellared for an additional year before release

14% ABV 

Vintage Notes: The 2019 was harvested by hand September 23rd through October 17th. Once the fruit was sorted and destemmed, it was then fermented in concrete (65%) and stainless steel (35%). Prior to bottling the wine was fermented dry, then aged in large format foudre (10HL–45HL) for 20 months, and neutral French oak barrique (228L) for 14 months.

Tasting Notes:

The 2019 opens with lilac, dried sage, and graphite. Wild mountain blueberry, maraschino cherry, and blackberry round out the fruit profile. A very elegant wine with wonderful detail and nuance.

Ratings & Reviews

97 Points - Vinous:
"The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is a pretty rich, bombastic wine, especially for Mayacamas. A blast of dark fruit, incense, tobacco, spice and mocha hits the palate. I would give the 2019 at least a few years in bottle to settle down, as it is quite the powerhouse today. This is an unusually flamboyant wine with plenty of richness and a bit less in the way of subtlety. The opulence of the vintage comes through loud and clear." - Antonio Galloni (Feb 2023)

96 Points - Wine Spectator:
“Loaded with character and energy, this version reveals heavy notes of zesty sweet bay leaf and sassafras that infuse a core of steeped red currant and mulberry fruit, all carried by bright acidity and iron-laced tannins. The long finish pulls everything together, with the fruit, savory and mineral elements in harmony. Showing an old-school touch, this has a long life ahead. Best from 2025 through 2045.”- JM (Oct 2023)

96 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
“Moving to the current releases, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is clearly on another level. Cassis, violets, spring flowers, and graphite, as well as a beautiful sense of minerality, all emerge on the nose, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, fine, polished tannins, fabulous balance, and a great finish. This stunning bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon will drink nicely over the coming 30 years or more."

95 Points - James Suckling:
“Seductive aromas of dark cherries, mulberries, spiced plums, wild herbs and dried spices. Medium to full body with finely grained tannins. Textural and suave with a voluptuous array of berries, cherries and raw cocoa on the palate. Velvety and well-balanced with a focused developing finish."