Summer 2025 Release
DESCRIPTION: Green apple and jasmine with a hint of toast on the nose. This wine has high acid and nice round mouthfeel on the palate.
VINEYARD: Regan Vineyards was planted over 25 years ago in the Corralitos region of the Santa Cruz Mountains. This Burgundian-style site sits atop a hilly knoll where it receives cool breezes from the Monterey Bay, producing some of the best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Due to the unique combination of excellent sun exposure, cool climate, and loamy-clay soils, the wines from Regan tend to be rich in flavor, have good acidity, and be deep in color.
PRODUCTION: 375 cases | AGING: 10 months in French Barrels, 20% new oak | ALCOHOL: 13.2% ABV
96 PTS WINE ENTHUSIAST
Vineyard Notes:
The Old Corral Pinot is sourced from our Certified Organic Estate Vineyard. Three separate hillside blocks are used to produce this wine with one planted to Swan clone and the others planted to Mt. Eden clone.
Vintage Notes:
2021 was an ideal vintage in many respects. It was a drought year, keeping yields low and fruit character concentrated. But it was also a year of moderate heat throughout. Instead of heat spikes that can rapidly push brix levels and mess with pick dates, we had a season where the fruit got plenty of hang time and we were able to fine tune our pick dates to achieve ideal acid and ripeness.
Wine Notes:
There is one thing about the Old Corral Pinot Noir which makes it compelling, beguiling and seductive – the aromatics jumping out of the glass, with an exotic perfume of crushed flowers, spice and dark fruit. Superfine and abundant tannin on this young wine amplifies the power of the fruit. Classic red fruit of Mt Eden and the more exotic spicy and strawberry notes of Swan. One might guess oak contributes to the spice, but in fact it does not at all. Our steam bent light toast barrels were fine tuned for transparency and do not color the wine.
Day 2 is even more powerful on the nose with the spice and fruit notes coming together in a unified expression. This power carries through on the palate with abundant fine tannin and intense dark red fruit that finishes long.
95 pts, Wine Enthusiast Magazine
95 pts, Jeb Dunnuck
Brooding on the nose, the 2022 Upper Picnic Pinot Noir layers red plum with earl gray tea, crushed violets, and its typical spice. Highly structured with dense black cherry that persists through the lengthy finish, the grippy tannins ensure that this wine will continue to develop for years to come.
Recommend decanting and enjoying now or cellaring for enjoyment over the next 7-10 years.
13.8% abv
350 Cases Produced
TERROIR
Sandstone Terrace is a blend of primarily SCM cool-climate syrah sites with the common thread of sandstone-derived soils. In most vintages, it embodies the sexy, spicy, and floral side of the varietal. Average elevation of the 2023 vintage is 1,100 ft.
Gali Vineyard (50%) is located in the Corralitos district of the southern SCM. At the low elevation of 400 ft and approximately seven miles from the ocean, this is one of the coldest sites in our lineup. Soils are clay loam weathered from sandstone and shale, formed on ancient submarine terraces. Sustainably farmed.
Nelson Vineyard (40%) is located in the Summit district of the SCM. The property was planted to chardonnay, pinot noir, and syrah in ‘99, after spending 30 years as a Christmas tree farm best known for silvertip firs, a variety that thrives at higher elevations. At 1700 ft, the vines growing in sandy loam and chunky sandstone are surrounded by redwoods and firs. The site benefits from cold, wet winters and cool to warm summers with deep diurnal shifts, great for ripening syrah while retaining high acidity. Organically farmed.
Coastview Vineyard (10%) is situated on a ridgetop 2300 ft up the Gabilan Mountains, and is one of the most dramatically beautiful sites on the Central Coast. Here, thin soils of decomposed granite with veins of limestone are planted to a smattering of cool-climate Burgundian, Rhône, and Bordelais varietals. Planted in 1999 and organically farmed, it produces wines with crunchy freshness and elegant structure
TASTING
Medium purple. Brambleberry, crushed violet, and rose petal are followed by white pepper and cured meat. A medium body is framed by fresh acid and elegant tannins.
TECH
Alcohol 12.7%
pH 3.73
85% whole cluster fermentation
Native fermentations started by pieds de cuve from the vineyards
Nine months élévage in 5% second-fill and 95% neutral French oak barrels
Eight barrels • 195 cases produced
Unfined & lightly filtered
PRESS
98 Points – Jeb Dunnuk
95 pts, Wine Enthusiast Magazine
95 pts, Jeb Dunnuck
Brooding on the nose, the 2022 Upper Picnic Pinot Noir layers red plum with earl gray tea, crushed violets, and its typical spice. Highly structured with dense black cherry that persists through the lengthy finish, the grippy tannins ensure that this wine will continue to develop for years to come.
Recommend decanting and enjoying now or cellaring for enjoyment over the next 7-10 years.
13.8% abv
350 Cases Produced
96 PTS WINE ENTHUSIAST
Vineyard Notes:
The Old Corral Pinot is sourced from our Certified Organic Estate Vineyard. Three separate hillside blocks are used to produce this wine with one planted to Swan clone and the others planted to Mt. Eden clone.
Vintage Notes:
2021 was an ideal vintage in many respects. It was a drought year, keeping yields low and fruit character concentrated. But it was also a year of moderate heat throughout. Instead of heat spikes that can rapidly push brix levels and mess with pick dates, we had a season where the fruit got plenty of hang time and we were able to fine tune our pick dates to achieve ideal acid and ripeness.
Wine Notes:
There is one thing about the Old Corral Pinot Noir which makes it compelling, beguiling and seductive – the aromatics jumping out of the glass, with an exotic perfume of crushed flowers, spice and dark fruit. Superfine and abundant tannin on this young wine amplifies the power of the fruit. Classic red fruit of Mt Eden and the more exotic spicy and strawberry notes of Swan. One might guess oak contributes to the spice, but in fact it does not at all. Our steam bent light toast barrels were fine tuned for transparency and do not color the wine.
Day 2 is even more powerful on the nose with the spice and fruit notes coming together in a unified expression. This power carries through on the palate with abundant fine tannin and intense dark red fruit that finishes long.
Wine Enthusiast 94
Planted in the hills of Corralitos situated only three miles from the coast. Farmed by Prudy Foxx, this site is ideal for producing Pinot Noir with beautiful fruit and natural acidity. The site is planted to sandy clay loam soils and is home to many different clones, specifically 667 & 777, which Farm Cottage uses.
Harvested on 10/2/23, the grapes were placed directly into tank
as 50% whole clusters. A natural pied de cuve was placed in tank on day 2.
Punchdowns were performed once a day and the tank was pressed after 8 days.
The wine was aged in neutral french oak and bottled on 7/9/24.
94 POINTS – WINE ENTHUSIAST
DESCRIPTION: Notes of fresh strawberries, cherries, and pomegranate are followed by a bright acidity on the palate.
VINEYARD: Regan Vineyards was planted over 25 years ago in the Corralitos region of the Santa Cruz Mountains. This Burgundian-style site sits atop a hilly knoll where it receives cool breezes from the Monterey Bay, producing some of the best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Due to the unique combination of excellent sun exposure, cool climate, and loamy-clay soils, the wines from Regan tend to be rich in flavor, have good acidity, and be deep in color.
PRODUCTION: 148 cases | AGING: 10 months in French Barrels, 20% new oak | ALCOHOL: 12.6% ABV
The vineyard: Established in the early 1970s, this historic, four-generation-old Ranch is located in the southern end of the rugged Santa Cruz Mountains. The Cabernet Sauvignon grows at a peak altitude of 2,100 feet and an extreme southeast slope of 30%. The vineyards are dry-farmed in well-drained silt soils with inclusions of decomposed, iron-rich volcanic magma.
The winemaking: Harvested on 10/17/23, the grapes were 100% de-stemmed and placed directly into the tank. A natural pied de cuve was placed in the tank on day 2. Punchdowns were performed once a day and the tank was pressed after 10 days. The wine was aged in neutral french oak and bottled on 8/7/24.
Along the historic Redwood Retreat Road, settled near Mount Madonna in the Santa Cruz Mountain appellation, the Bates Family has been growing robust quality wine grapes for four generations. Varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Grenache. Nourished by warm days and cool nights, this preferred micro-climate of the internationally acclaimed Santa Cruz Mountain terroir produces a rich and complex wine.
About the Winery:
Winemaker and vineyard manager Keegan Mayo was born in Hawai’i and raised in Santa Cruz, and produces minimal intervention, food friendly wines with a real sense of place. His first introduction into the wine industry was working for a few summers at Split Rail Vineyard in Corralitos. He graduated from UC Davis Viticulture and Enology Program in 2008. While attending school he spent a harvest with Mumm in Napa as a cellar hand and grape sampler. In 2009, he spent the vintage with Church Road Winery in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, before settling into a nearly nine year tenure with Testarossa Winery, where he eventually became the Assistant Winemaker. He only produces wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Notes from the Winemaker:
This is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Bates Ranch Vineyard, a historic fourth generation property at the foot of Mt. Madonna in the Santa Cruz Mountains . The vineyard has some 27-year-old dry farmed vines as well as some younger plantings. The older vines produce a wine with a savory and powerful palate while the young vines produce a wine that is more fruit forward and aromatically appealing. This wine is a 50/50 blend of both new and old vines. Indigenous yeasts and bacteria carried out both primary and secondary fermentations. The wine was aged in 20% New French oak for 18 months and is bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Notes:
Deep red hue. Scents of cassis, blackberry and leather fill the nose. Secondary aromas of green olive, peppercorn, and earth tones lie in the background. The palate sensation begins with a nice acidity followed by a savory mid palate and a long-lasting silky tannin finish. Overall, the wine seems to push and pull between old and new worlds. Extremely balanced and restrained, this is a perfect example of the style, elegance and power of Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet.
| 95 pts Wine & Spirits Magazine Winter 2023 95 pts Antonio Galloni presents Vinous October 2023 94 pts Wine Enthusiast Magazine December 2023 92 pts Wine Spectator November 15, 2023 Mount Eden is unique in the world of California Cabernet. We are perched in the coastal Santa Cruz Mountain range, just 15 miles from the Pacific Ocean. The cool east-facing position of our Cabernet vines, their altitude (1600 feet) and the primary soils that have emerged as the mountain has evolved give these grapes a matchless terroir. The wine is intense yet elegant as a beautiful bouquet of violet, iron, roasted meat, and rose petal greet the nose. It is balanced yet powerful on the palate with flavors of currant and soil-influenced minerality. As with all of our Mount Eden Estate Cabernets, this wine reaps the rewards of decanting in its early years and will age for decades in a good cellar. Total Production: 1510 cases-750ml, 33 cases-1500ml |
90 PTS Wine Enthusiast
An orange shade of pink in the glass, this bottling is quite bold on the nose, offering strawberry, melon and ripe cherry aromas. Those rich cherry flavors are cut by a compelling tension on the palate. — Matt Kettmann
94 pts Wine Enthusiast
Ripe and rich aromas of black cherry, boysenberry, vanilla and white chocolate show on the nose of this bottling. The palate is lively, with blackberry sorbet and black cherry flavors that are cut by minty herbs and wrapped in tons of texture. — Matt Kettmann
his dark distinguished Solera synthesizes nine years of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The robust ruby release exhibits rich aromas of cherry, blackberry bramble, currant, and plum, balanced with flavors of sweet tobacco, dried herbs, Earl Grey tea and black cardamom on the palate. Fine-grained grippy tannins persist with hints of expressive peppercorn through the finish.
Along the historic Redwood Retreat Road, settled near Mount Madonna in the Santa Cruz Mountain appellation, the Bates Family has been growing robust quality wine grapes for four generations. Varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Grenache. Nourished by warm days and cool nights, this preferred micro-climate of the internationally acclaimed Santa Cruz Mountain terroir produces a rich and complex wine.
Spring 2025 Release
95 PTS JEB DUNNUCK
This Chardonnay shows the cool, coastal terroir of the Santa Cruz Mountains with immense freshness and lively acidity. The nose presents orange blossoms and jasmine with hints of honeysuckle. There is a stoniness on the palate with a touch of tropical zest and lemon peel.
93 PTS WINE ENTHUSIAST
Lively and herby fruit aromas of brisk pomegranate, wild cherry and foggy forest floor make for a great entry to the wine, which comes from grapes planted at 2,300 feet. It lands with a serious weight on the palate, with rich red fruit and patchouli spice flavors lingering long. — Matt Kettmann
From Wine Enthusiast:
94 points. Red apple, cranberry and orange rind are warmed up with a woodspice on the nose of this bottling. The palate shows ample weight, pairing toasted sagebrush with cherry compote and shiitake mushroom flavors.
From Wine Advocate:
93 points. More woodsy and coniferous than the Saveria bottling, the 2022 Pinot Noir Lester Family Vineyard is introduced by a lovely nose of redwood bark, red plum, rose petals and cinnamon aromas. The palate is svelte, clean and focused, balancing red fruit flavors and savory acidity. The finish is initially inward and closed, taking time and coaxing to uncoil. Overall, this shows great promise and should come into itself in the next couple of years and drink very well through the rest of the decade.
Fairly dark in the glass, this wine is very extracted and ripe on the nose. The palate is thick with baked plum and stewed berry aromas with a powerful amount of spices. — Matt Kettmann
Raspberry, black tea and trumpet mushroom meet cinnamon, nutmeg, and wet stone, like a walk through the forest after a rain. The palate unfolds with pomegranate and fresh plum, balanced by just enough grip to keep you grounded. Perfect with seared duck breast, a well-curated cheese board, and good conversation.
Jeb Dunnuck:
96 Points. The 2023 Pinot Noir Integrato is an all-star barrel selection appellation cuvée, with 50% Split Rail Vineyard fruit contributing its coniferous, redwood character, 20% from Coast Grade, 20% from Lester Family Vineyard, and the rest from other smaller sites, with the goal of providing a clear overview of the appellation. Lengthy and ethereal, it employed 10% whole-cluster fermentation and spent 11 months in barrel sur lie. Fresh and red-fruited, the texture is grainy and complex, with high-toned acidity lifting the mineral slatey components even higher. Enjoy best 2025-2035.
93 PTS WINE ENTHUSIAST
Deep, dark and penetrating aromas of dried cherry and sarsaparilla show on the nose of this bottling. Dusty herbs and shiitake flavors come through on the palate, where a hearty mouthfeel showcases baked plum and mulberry flavors as well. — Matt Kettmann
The Estate bottling displays the fullness of our home. The scent will remind you of our grapes, the complexity invites reflection, and always the incredible length of flavor which invites another sip. The ultimate remembrance wine to bring you back to our home.
Varietal: Pinot Noir – Dijon Clones 667, 115 & Chambertin (Calera Clone)
Vineyard: Charmant Vineyards – Sustainable, organic, dry farming and low yield practices are employed
Winemaking: Maximizing terroir characteristics through natural indigenous wild fermentations and inoculating with select Burgundian yeasts to finish. No fining, filtration or other manipulation.
Aging: 24 months French Oak (30% new)
Tasting Notes: Spicy root-beer and French toast aromas kick off the spicy nose of this bottling, which surrounds dark-plum and oak scents. There’s plenty of sandalwood, vanilla and cardamom on the palate, which gives depth to the baked plum core. Complex and lovely in texture and acid, replete with raspberry, pomegranate, cherry, leather and Linzer torte.
Reviews: 91 points (Wine Enthusiast)
Fairly subtle on the nose, this bottling offers roasted cherry and well integrated spice aromas. Clean tannins frame sour cherry flavors on the somewhat leathery palate. — Matt Kettmann
Nose of Cedar, Tobacco, Blackberry, Chocolate, Earthy notes of fresh forest, rain, and root cellars. Deep and dark, but vibrant and extraordinarily delicious. Drinking extremely well even though still a bit tight on the edges. Loads of juicy black fruit, and bright summer red fruit entice you deeper into the subtle nuances of dried meats, savory herbs, sweet earth tones, warm pie crust, and toasted nuts.
Fresh aromas of frozen strawberry and blossoming red flowers are juicy on the nose of this bottling, which includes 2% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc. Accessible flavors of cherry paste, light herb and pepper make for a straightforward palate. — Matt Kettmann
Fairly dark in the glass, this wine is very extracted and ripe on the nose. The palate is thick with baked plum and stewed berry aromas with a powerful amount of spices. — Matt Kettmann
93 PTS JEB DUNNUCK
Aged in larger format oak and given more new wood (35%) than the producer’s Chardonnay, the 2022 White Blend Alma Estate Grown Gist Ranch is grown above 2,000-feet elevation, some 17 miles from the Pacific Ocean, and blends 40% Sauvignon Blanc, 39% Semillon and 21% Sauvignon Musque. It has a purity of concentrated peach and apricot flavors and is broad and lush across the mid-palate, with full-bodied fruitiness and ripe flavor, lasting across a lengthy finishing touch of honey. Drink now through 2030.
93+ pts Wine Advocate
Vineyard and Region Information: The Kimari Vineyard in Corralitos is a short distance from the Lester Family Vineyard. This cool site just miles from Monterey Bay is perfect for producing a Chardonnay with minimal intervention and great natural acidity. It is a rarity in California vineyards in that it is over 40 years old. The vineyard is farmed by Prudy Foxx (who also farms Lester Family Vineyard) and is planted to the Wente selection of Chardonnay which is known to produce Chardonnays with excellent acidity.
Vintage Notes:
2021 was an ideal vintage in many respects. It was a drought year, keeping yields low and fruit character concentrated. But it was also a year of moderate heat throughout. Instead of heat spikes that can rapidly push brix levels and mess with pick dates, we had a season where the fruit got plenty of hang time and we were able to fine tune our pick dates to achieve ideal acid and ripeness.
Wine Notes:
This wine was whole cluster pressed and fermented with native yeast. It was barrel aged for 12 months, then aged 6 months in stainless steel before being bottled without fining or filtration. Higher toned subtle citrus and flowers on the nose, melding into a compelling perfume. This is a wine with intense flavors and texture that wrap around the palate and finish long. It has that full bodied intensity, but stays fresh and vibrant. It is a compelling wine that takes time to unwrap.
Wine Reviews:
From a 40-year-old Corralitos site previously known as Howard Family Vineyard, the 2021 Chardonnay Kimari Vineyard was fermented in neutral oak, aged for 12 months and then racked to stainless steel for six months. The nose combines electric energy with decadent, honeyed fruit. The palate is medium-bodied and layered before shifting into a creamy finish supported by citrus-tinged salinity. Equal parts generous and lively, this is drinking beautifully now but should support further cellaring.” 93+ points- Matthew Luczy, Wine Advocate
Dry and clean, but this Cabernet-based Bordeaux blend shows a surprising sharpness and hardness for a wine from this vintage, at this age. The black currant flavors are buried by tannic astringency. Doesn’t seem likely to age.
Perfectly balanced, the acidity, tannins, sweetness, fruit, and alcohol are all in harmony. The fruit leans heavily on plum and there’s a rich chocolate aroma that sneaks in on the palate as well. But don’t over think it – it’s pure SANGIOVESE.
Winter 2025 Release
Towering 1200 feet above Silicon Valley, on steep south-facing slopes of gravelly loam and fractured Franciscan shale, lies the historic Mountain Winery Vineyard. Originally planted to vines by the Burgundian Paul Masson at the turn of the 20th century with vines he brought back from France, this site is ground zero for fine wine in California. Replanted in 2004 to vine material from the historic vineyard, we thrill in rediscovering the origins of the legend through this wine.
American wine legend Paul Masson planted this property generations ago, long before it became more known for concerts than wine. This brand brings prestige back with this bottling, which offers citrus, lemongrass and light nut aromas. The palate is angular in acidity and tight in citrus flavors. — Matt Kettmann
Taste the complex flavors of Regan Vineyards Winery’s Santa Cruz Mountain Pinot Noir. This deep red wine was artfully crafted by the experienced hands of John Bargetto, who has over 30 years of experience in winegrowing.
Produced from the famed Mt. Eden clone, the Santa Cruz Mountain Pinot Noir has beautiful aromas, a full palate, and diverse flavors that highlight the diversity of Regan’s coastal mountain vineyard.
Regan Vineyards Winery wines have flavor as unique as the spectacular location. Strong acidity, rich colors, and complex flavors all stem from the vineyards cool ocean climate, bright sunshine, and loamy, rich soil.
Tasting Notes: Red-plum, carnation and rose-petal aromas make for a detailed, fresh nose on this bottling. There’s a tight raspberry and cranberry combination on the palace, which is tightly wound, crisp and lively deep into the finish
Vineyard Notes: The Beauregard Ranch vineyard site was part of an original 160 acre vineyard and apple orchard planted in the early 1900’s. The vineyard was abandoned during prohibition and then resurrected in 1945 when retired Sheriff’s deputy Amos Beauregard purchased the property. It sits at an elevation of 1700 to 1850 feet on a southwest facing slope. Monterey Bay marine influences combine with sandy loam soil to produce wines with minerality and striking acidity. Plantings: Four acres Pinot Noir, clones: Pommard, 667 & 115. One acre Chardonnay, clone 4. Three acres Zinfandel, clone Primitivo. Four acres Cabernet Sauvignon, Dijon clone.
Production Notes: The grapes were hand harvested, 70% de-stemmed, and foot crushed. Native yeast fermentation took place for 21 days with daily punchdowns. The wine was pressed and put into finest French Oak we have in our cellar with about 20% new barrels and aged for 19 months.
Production: 356 cases
It seems every release there is a wine that stands out among the crowd, and this year the Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon is indicating it’s ready to stand out. On the pop there are lovely aromas of eucalyptus, plum flesh, and perfectly ripe red cherries. As you allow the wine time to open in the bottle and glass you are greeted with chocolate (cocoa), tobacco wrapper, sage, thyme and tarragon. Structurally, the wine is present, but certainly not overwhelming. The wine has well integrated tannins, soft acidity, and a finish of mouth-watering caramel. This wine can stand up to a wide array of heavier foods such as roasted red meats, grilled heavier foods, or chiles/stews. Drink now – 2032.
Taste the complex flavors of Regan Vineyards Winery’s Santa Cruz Mountain Pinot Noir. This deep red wine was artfully crafted by the experienced hands of John Bargetto, who has over 30 years of experience in winegrowing.
Produced from the famed Mt. Eden clone, the Santa Cruz Mountain Pinot Noir has beautiful aromas, a full palate, and diverse flavors that highlight the diversity of Regan’s coastal mountain vineyard.
Regan Vineyards Winery wines have flavor as unique as the spectacular location. Strong acidity, rich colors, and complex flavors all stem from the vineyards cool ocean climate, bright sunshine, and loamy, rich soil.
This wine is explosive! It’s a Cherry Bomb with gigantic doses of ripe red and black cherry fruit. Then there’s an underlying rusticness to it, like it’s ready for a summer barbeque.
Pale ruby in color, the wine entices with rich aromas of violet, black raspberry, blood orange, and mace with a refreshing palate of crisp red plum, currant and orange rind, as sage and a touch of clove add to the energetic mouthfeel. From a steep and rocky shale site just a few miles from the ocean near the town of La Honda yields fruit of stunning quality.
Tasting Notes: Red-plum, carnation and rose-petal aromas make for a detailed, fresh nose on this bottling. There’s a tight raspberry and cranberry combination on the palace, which is tightly wound, crisp and lively deep into the finish
Vineyard Notes: The Beauregard Ranch vineyard site was part of an original 160 acre vineyard and apple orchard planted in the early 1900’s. The vineyard was abandoned during prohibition and then resurrected in 1945 when retired Sheriff’s deputy Amos Beauregard purchased the property. It sits at an elevation of 1700 to 1850 feet on a southwest facing slope. Monterey Bay marine influences combine with sandy loam soil to produce wines with minerality and striking acidity. Plantings: Four acres Pinot Noir, clones: Pommard, 667 & 115. One acre Chardonnay, clone 4. Three acres Zinfandel, clone Primitivo. Four acres Cabernet Sauvignon, Dijon clone.
Production Notes: The grapes were hand harvested, 70% de-stemmed, and foot crushed. Native yeast fermentation took place for 21 days with daily punchdowns. The wine was pressed and put into finest French Oak we have in our cellar with about 20% new barrels and aged for 19 months.
Production: 356 cases
Vidovich Vineyards, Santa Cruz Mountains AVA
The 2021 Monte Bello Road Cabernet Sauvignon stands as a quintessential example of Santa Cruz Mountain Cabernet. Composed entirely of Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is crafted with selected yeast and aged for 24 months in 40% new French oak, imparting a refined complexity. The nose reveals nuanced, delicate fruit aromatics, including layers of dark berry and subtle cherry, complemented by a hint of pencil shavings. On the palate, it offers a linear structure with age-worthy tannins and balanced acidity.
Wine Enthusiast:
‘This bottling, from a vineyard located 2,450 feet high in the mountains, starts with fresh aromas of cherry, cinnamon, tobacco and mahogany. The palate is rich in texture yet also firm in tension, offering blackberry, fennel pollen, black pepper and herb flavors. These tannins will last for days.’ – Matt Kettmann
It seems every release there is a wine that stands out among the crowd, and this year the Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon is indicating it’s ready to stand out. On the pop there are lovely aromas of eucalyptus, plum flesh, and perfectly ripe red cherries. As you allow the wine time to open in the bottle and glass you are greeted with chocolate (cocoa), tobacco wrapper, sage, thyme and tarragon. Structurally, the wine is present, but certainly not overwhelming. The wine has well integrated tannins, soft acidity, and a finish of mouth-watering caramel. This wine can stand up to a wide array of heavier foods such as roasted red meats, grilled heavier foods, or chiles/stews. Drink now – 2032.
92+ points Robert Parker Wine Advocate (September 2024)
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Chaine d’Or Vineyards is clearly reflective of Nicolas Vonderheyden’s comfort zone. A blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, it’s very “Santa Cruz Mountains” in the best possible way—cool-toned, juicy and rich in minerality. Aged in a combination of new and used French and American oak, plus some amphorae, the 2018 opens with a rush of red/blue fruit, unfurling further with eucalyptus, red bell pepper, cedar, tobacco and graphite. Savory inflections gain intensity with air, pulling this back into the Old World. This is impressively refined, only held back by a hair of grittiness on the finish.
Extracted and concentrated, this Cabernet Sauvignon is a wonderful example of what an old vine vineyard grown in a cool climate can produce. Most Cabernet producers blend with other varieties to help round out hardness inherent in Cab grapes. This wine is 100% Cab with no blending… showing its true unbridled character. Softness and complexities are starting to emerge as it has been bottle aged for over seven years. Entirely from Santa Cruz Mountains AVA grapes farmed by us in Woodside, CA.
Towering 1200 feet above Silicon Valley, on steep south-facing slopes of gravelly loam and fractured Franciscan shale, lies the historic Mountain Winery Vineyard. Originally planted to vines by the Burgundian Paul Masson at the turn of the 20th century with vines he brought back from France, this site is ground zero for fine wine in California. Replanted in 2004 to vine material from the historic vineyard, we thrill in rediscovering the origins of the legend through this wine.
American wine legend Paul Masson planted this property generations ago, long before it became more known for concerts than wine. This brand brings prestige back with this bottling, which offers citrus, lemongrass and light nut aromas. The palate is angular in acidity and tight in citrus flavors. — Matt Kettmann
Fermentation: 10% whole cluster fruit, with native yeast strains utilized, fermented on skins roughly 18 days. Secondary fermentation completed naturally in barrel.
This wine’s bouquet is elegant and fruit-centric, with notes of tart cherry, Eastern spice, sandalwood, and dried tea leaf. The palate is bright and silky, pushing strawberry, blood orange, black tea, and tart cherry. The finish remains pleasantly acidic, with notes of French Vanilla, ripe raspberry, and mushroom.
- Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
- Appellation: 100% Santa Cruz Mountains
- pH: 3.58
- TA: 6.56
- Oak: Aged 20 months on 33% new French oak barrels, 66% neutral barrels
- Cases produced: 150
The 2018 Gali Vineyard Pinot Noir is a great example of the balance elegance and finesse that can be found in California Pinot Noir. Driven by beautiful flavors of blackberry, black raspberry, deep Morello cherry, and black tea with underpinnings of subtle and elegant earth tones and spice. A little bit rounder and more plush than the previous vintage, but still extremely balanced and delicious from the first sip to the last drop.
The 2016 Naumann Cabernet Sauvignon is a well-rounded wine, offering the typical power and elegance of Cabs while showing nuanced layers of fruit and secondary characteristics. It is a great option for those who enjoy a structured and age-worthy Cabernet, but still want immediate enjoyment.