Spring Mountain Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 3-year vertical (2006, 2007, and 2008)

2006 Vintage
The 2005 vintage gave us graceful wines of stature and quality. In many ways, it bears a marked resemblance to the bountiful 1997 vintage. The growing season began with plentiful springtime rainfall and cool temperatures that slowed veraison. Summer temperatures were very warm with a few heat spikes in July, followed by moderate weather through November, allowing for slow and even ripening. Harvest began on September 20, more than a month later than 2004, and concluded with a final day of picking on November 8.

2007 Vintage
The 2007 vintage began with a warm winter and dry spring that gave us only 50% of our normal rainfall. Budbreak occurred in early to mid-March, more than a month earlier than 2006. Bloom took place in mid-April. Summer temperatures were moderate with no heat spikes until mid-August. Harvest began on August 28. The 2007 vintage marks the first year of what we now call a drought in Napa Valley. The positive result of less rainfall is reflected in the concentration of aromas and flavors in wines from this acclaimed vintage.

2008 Vintage
2008 continued the dry pattern begun in 2007, making it the second year in a 3-year drought cycle in Napa Valley. Overall yields were down by about 35%, partly due to low rainfall and hot weather in August and September, but set up by an April frost that damaged new growth at the higher elevations. Fortunately, a new Mistral triple sorting system was in place at harvest to glean only the highest quality fruit. The resulting wines are balanced and show intense, concentrated flavors and aromas.