Terroir In A Glass
terroir (n.) | the complete natural environment. soil, elevation, climate.
The appellations of Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley are defined by terroir. Together, they form a patchwork of growing conditions — some have produced the best Cabernet Sauvignons in the world.
Each wine in our Appellation series is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, made and aged using the same methods. The difference is simply where they were planted.
Age: 22 months in 65% New French Oak
The Appellation Cabernets
CABERNET APPELLATION TASTING
Explore terroir through the lens of Cabernet Sauvignon. Join us for an unforgettable experience tasting your way through the famous regions of Napa. Guided by our wine educators, you'll learn about the differences between the appellations in our series.
$125 per guest / $100 for Collectors Club Members
ReservePlease set aside 2 hours for this experience. $125 per person, charged at time of booking. Collectors Club Members receive a 20% discount on up to four reservations. Reservations are required.
FIELD NOTES: APPELLATIONS & TASTE
MOUNT VEEDER
EST: 1993
ELEVATION: 600 – 2,600 feet
Our home AVA boasts the highest elevation and coolest growing season in Napa. Vineyards have steep slopes, well-drained volcanic soils, and direct sunlight. Extreme conditions cause low yields—about half the Napa Valley average.
TASTING NOTE
The Mount Veeder Cabernet in our series is well-structured with intense notes of cassis, wild blackberry bramble, and bay leaf. Full of complexity, with soft edges of oak and warm spices. Enjoyable now, but Cabernet Sauvignon grown on Mount Veeder has a reputation for aging well in bottle.
MOON MOUNTAIN
EST: 2013
ELEVATION: 200 – 2,200 feet
To the west of Mount Veeder lies the Moon Mountain District AVA. Vineyards have southwest-facing slopes, rocky and volcanic soils, afternoon sunlight and plenty of ocean breezes.
TASTING NOTE
Our Moon Mountain Cabernet showcases the essence of its appellation. Violets and warm spices on the nose lead to intense, rich flavors of blackberry compote, dark chocolate, and hints of sweet oak. Well-integrated tannins will help this Cabernet age beautifully.
OAKVILLE
EST: 1993
ELEVATION: 100 – 1,000 feet
Easily one of the most famous regions in Napa, Oakville is known for its affinity for Bordeaux varietals. Vineyards enjoy plentiful sunshine, gravel soils, and a temperate climate.
TASTING NOTE
Our Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic expression of this AVA. Mixed berry compote with mediterranean herbs and wild mint. There's a hint of vanilla oak and the tannins are firm. Cabernet Sauvignon grown in Oakville is known to be powerful and age-able.
RUTHERFORD
EST: 1993
ELEVATION: 155 – 500 feet
Located at the broadest stretch of Napa Valley, vines enjoy the most sun of any of the valley floor appellations. The benchland, which has deep gravel soils, is known for producing wines with distinctively grainy tannins which you might hear referred to as “Rutherford Dust.”
TASTING NOTE
The Rutherford Cabernet in our series is rich and fruit-forward. Ripe, juicy aromas of black current and nutmeg. Lingering flavors of blackberry and dark chocolate. Plush, round tannins — with just a hint of Rutherford Dust — make this an enjoyable, deep wine.
SAINT HELENA
EST: 1995
ELEVATION: 400 – 2700 feet
Located at the narrowest part of Napa Valley, the northern half of St. Helena is similar to Calistoga, while the southern half is akin to Rutherford. The soils vary from gravelly loam in the west to volcanic in the east. St. Helena is unique in that it contains alluvial fans on both sides of the valley.
TASTING NOTE
The St Helena Cabernet in our series is deliciously ripe and earthy. Bold aromas of black cherries and vanilla. Lush silky flavors of red fruits and bay leaf. Supple and easy to enjoy.