Mount Eden Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Cruz Mountains 2020

“This blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot comes from vines planted at over 610 metres above the Santa Clara Valley, on a peak of the Chaîne d'Or in the Santa Cruz Mountains. It balances Old World elegance with the fleshy dark fruit intensity of the California coast, accented by rich currant and cassis, black cherry, and tobacco notes. Earthy tones and dried bay laurel add depth, all framed by blood orange acidity and super-fine tannins that grip the mid-palate and carry the finish.”

“This is solidly grippy from the start, with a mix of brambly grip and zesty acidity driving its dark, juicy core of mulberry, boysenberry and blackberry preserves. Shows violet, sweet bay and iris accents, plus a lively flash of apple wood through the finish. A delicious mountain Cab. Best from 2026 through 2040. 922 cases made.”

“Combining 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot, the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon is aged in even years in the cellar below Patterson's house, where he finds the tannins become softer than the wines aged in odd years at Domaine Eden, where the cellar temperature stays constant. All in all, the wine is meant to be soil-driven with an Old World focus, not a fruit-driven focus, and intended to “last forever.” The structure is indeed Old World, with ample tannin and complexity balanced by sunshine-grown California fruit. It tastes and smells of sage, chaparral, and pine, characteristics that will take on new life over time. Optimal drinking is 2030-2050.”