Mayacamas Cabernet Sauvignon "Sunset" 2018
(Mount Veeder, California) - [VM 98] [WS 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.

The Mayacamas Vineyards Special Bottling Series showcases small lots with unique characteristics and stories. The idea for the series came to be as a way to truly highlight the singular terroir of the Estate. Carved out this rocky and steep forest landscape, each vineyard contributes a distinct signature to the core bottlings of Mayacamas. Due to the diverse soil profiles, microclimates and extreme exposures, each growing season may result in a certain exposure, block, or fermentation to stand out among the rest. The Special Bottling Series is an opportunity to capture that unique expression. Over time these small bottlings will help tell Mayacamas Vineyards story of place.

The ‘Sunset Block’ produced exceptional fruit in the 2018 vintage, worthy of its own bottling and place in the timeline of Mayacamas history. The Sunset Block is an exposed slope of volcanic cobbles carved out of Douglas Fir and Manzanita groves on the ridge of Mt. Veeder. Its southwestern exposure and warm rocky soils make for long growing days, intense fruit and structured yet elegant Cabernet Sauvignon. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Hand harvested on September 26th 2018. Concrete tank fermentation. Racked into large format foudre (10 HL-45 HL) for 20 months, then neutral French barrique for 12 months before bottling.

Notes from the Winemaker:

100% Cabernet Sauvignon 

Appellation: Mt. Veeder

20-30 yr old vines

2000ft elevation

14% ABV 

Ratings & Reviews

98 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Sunset Block emerges from one of the newer parcels planted during the large redevelopment here that started in 2014. It shows a bit more brightness and energy than the main Cabernet bottling, with all of the vertical structure and overall intensity that is such a signature at Mayacamas. At the same time, the Sunset Block shows an elegant side of the property that is so alluring." (AG) 

95 Points - Wine Spectator:
"A supersleek, tightly coiled wine, with an almost bristling iron note piercing a core of damson plum and cherry fruit, this races along with the vibrant hum of a tuning fork to a precise finish. Patience required. Best from 2028 through 2045." (JM)