Cabernet Franc,  Cabernet Sauvignon,  California,  Cellar Selection,  Malbec,  Merlot,  Napa,  Petit Verdot

Cellar Selections

Spring Mountain Vineyard

         

2006 Cabernet Sauvignon              2011 Cabernet Sauvignon

The new Spring Mountain Vineyard was once three separate properties each with its own vineyard and winery:  Spring Mountain Vineyards “Miravalle” 257 acres, Chateau Chevalier “Chevalier” 120 acres, and Draper Vineyards “La Perla” 435 acres.  The upper most property on the estate, La Perla, was founded in 1873 by Charles Lemme and expanded by the Schilling Spice family.  Originally 285 acres it had the first Cabernet Sauvignon planted on Spring Mountain.  The old winery remains today along with much of its original equipment and horse drawn carriages and wagons.  Immediately below La Perla, and eventually added to it was the first vineyard planted by Fredrick and Jacob Beringer in 1882.  These terraced hillsides were planted in a wide assortment of grape varieties to support the Beringer brothers fledgling winery.  Adjoining to the north of the Beringer vineyard was a Frenchman, Fortune Chevalier, whose stone winery, Chateau Chevalier, was making wine in 1891.  Lastly, next door to Chevalier was Tiburcio Parrott who grew olives, citrus and grapes. Parrott built a grand home on the estate which he named Miravalle.

All of the Miravalle structures have undergone major restoration.  The beautiful carriage house below was fully restored using the exact materials of its original construction.

Spring Mountain Vineyard also have a couple of “Wine Clubs” and additionally offering some “Library Wines” which provide a tremendous insight on how their wines develop year to year.  I recommend to check out their availability, click this link “WineClubLink” to go to their site and join a club!  If you find your travels to Napa, I recommend a visit to their exquisite Napa winery.

Keep checking back with SippingFineWine.com as I recently made a trip to Napa during 2019 harvest, visited several wineries, tasted some great wines, and met some outstanding individuals.  I’ll continue to report on my discoveries.

Spring Mountain Vineyard 2006 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

A blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc & 2% Petit Verdot, aged for 22 Months in new French oak, 4,408 cases made.  Deep Ruby with developing aromas of red and black fruits and notes of oak, mushroom and forest floor.  On the palate flavors of blackberry, cherry and black plum with a meaty stewed fruit charm, some sweet spice, cacao and herb notes.  Fine structured soft tannins well integrated, long finish, ending with dried fruit character adding leather, nutty notes and oak. Outstanding, drinking well starting to develop tertiary aromas flavors!  Tasting Sample.

Spring Mountain Vineyard 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon

A blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc & 3% Malbec, aged for 22 Months in 60% new French oak, 1,810 cases made.  Deep Ruby with developing aromas of red and black fruits and notes of oak, cacao and sweet spice with slight floral notes.  On the palate flavors of blackberry, black cherry and fig with some black pepper, cinnamon and nutty earthy tones.  Fine soft tannins, good structure, long finish, more ready to drink than other recent vintages, ending with great mouthfeel and spicy fruit character.  Wonderful!  Very Nice.  Tasting Sample.

Cheers!

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