2003 Mayacamas Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder Napa Valley

The 2003 Cabernet has emerged from youth and presents beautifully as an energetic teenager. Red raspberry and dried black currant dominate the rich and fruit driven nose while supporting flavors of graphite, iron, rose petal, and dried sage showcase the cooler, volcanic, mountain terroir of our estate. Structured and fresh, the wine shows a long finish with pronounced minerality. This wine should cellar well for at least 10 more years, likely much longer.

The 2003 growing season began with a challenging spring that included both heat spikes, and significant rain. Summer temperatures were fairly cool, allowing for good flavor development over time. A heat wave in mid September pushed most our vineyards to ripeness – with Cabernet harvest spanning from September 18th to October 9th.

Grapes for the 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon were harvested exclusively from high-elevation vineyards on Mount Veeder, some more than 40+ years old. Mount Veeder is a one-of-a-kind appellation with a cooler mountain climate and the lowest yields in Napa Valley. Soils range from poor volcanic deposits to ancient seabed; the grapes produced here retain high acidity and a clean, mineral character.

In the vineyard, the grapes were harvested early to retain bright acidity and firm tannins. After fermentation in cement vats, the wines aged for 3 years in neutral oak — a combination of large format foudre and barrique. After an additional 2 years in bottle, the wine was initially released in 2008.