One of California's most ageable Cabernets comes from Mount Eden's vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains. As always its on of the most limited Cabernets. previous vintage 97+ Points Jeb Dunnuck: "A brilliant, youthful, unevolved wine that will give Ridge's Monte Bello a run for its money, the Mount Eden Cabernet Sauvignon reveals a deep ruby/purple hue to go with a wonderful perfume of blackcurrants, blueberries, lead pencil, vanilla bean, exotic flowers, tobacco, and bouquet garni. Needing plenty of air to show at its best, it's medium to full-bodied on the palate and has a concentrated, powerful style, ripe tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish. A blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot and Malbec, aged in used French and American oak, it's going to benefit from 4-6 years of bottle age and, I suspect, have 30-40 years of overall longevity." 97 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The Mount Eden Cabernet Sauvignon is going to need a number of years to come around. The only question is how many. In 2017, the Mount Eden Cabernet is shockingly opulent. Inky black fruit, bittersweet chocolate, spice, leather and incense are all dialed up in this super-sized Cabernet. Even so, there is plenty of structure lurking beneath. I can't wait to see how this ages." The Mount Eden Cabernet Sauvignon, in the main, with Merlot and a soupçon of Cabernet Franc, may be an outlier in the Pinot-dominated Santa Cruz Mountains today, but it comes with quite a pedigree: The vineyard was planted with a selection from pioneering vintner Martin Ray's late 1940s vineyard. That selection of Cabernet Sauvignon cuttings was taken from the La Questa Vineyard, which in turn was grafted in the 1890s to scions from Chateau Margaux in Bordeaux, France. "Mount Eden is one of the United States' great heritage estates," writes Robert Parker.
Renato Hoyle
So balanced
So balanced
9.5Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego
2018 vintage. Oak a little showier than last visit 4.20.24. *Full disclosure* Probably my favorite CA cabernet for QPR purposes-year in, year out-since the early 90's. Not inexpensive, yet, in a world of ridiculous CA cab pricing, this is a bargain. Had I storage space and projected lifespan, would pick up two cases and crack a bottle every year starting in 2028. Some overt baby fat/oak to dissipate in anticipation. Currently, wanting more structure and depth but, given the track record with this wine/producer, it's enroute. 5.29.24.
2018 vintage. Oak a little showier than last visit 4.20.24. *Full disclosure* Probably my favorite CA cabernet for QPR purposes-year in, year out-since the early 90's. Not inexpensive, yet, in a world of ridiculous CA cab pricing, this is a bargain. Had I storage space and projected lifespan, would pick up two cases and crack a bottle every year starting in 2028. Some overt baby fat/oak to dissipate in anticipation. Currently, wanting more structure and depth but, given the track record with this wine/producer, it's enroute. 5.29.24.
9.3Janice in Livermore
2018 Cab at the Jose James concert at Kuumbwa in Santa Cruz.
2018 Cab at the Jose James concert at Kuumbwa in Santa Cruz.
8.9Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego
2018 vintage. 85% Cab, 10% Merlot, 3% Cab Franc and 2% PV. One of the highest % of Cabernet Sauvignon in this wine that I can remember. 14% ABV. Tapenade, smoke and ripe, dark plum nose. Medium body. Softens up somewhat on the finish. Wine (and not just this vintage) occasionally drinks like 2nd growth Durfort-Vivens in Margaux with Mount Eden Vineyards having slightly more body. I need to compare the last three vintages of each all together. Spooky. 4.20.23.
2018 vintage. 85% Cab, 10% Merlot, 3% Cab Franc and 2% PV. One of the highest % of Cabernet Sauvignon in this wine that I can remember. 14% ABV. Tapenade, smoke and ripe, dark plum nose. Medium body. Softens up somewhat on the finish. Wine (and not just this vintage) occasionally drinks like 2nd growth Durfort-Vivens in Margaux with Mount Eden Vineyards having slightly more body. I need to compare the last three vintages of each all together. Spooky. 4.20.23.
9.4Henry Fuseler
2/2023. Medium bodied cab blend. Good flavor and nice on the palate. Mr. Friendly’s
2/2023. Medium bodied cab blend. Good flavor and nice on the palate. Mr. Friendly’s
8.9Henry Fuseler
12/2022. Bold and smooth. Nice on the palate. Paired well with the baked oysters and bass at Mr. Friendly’s.
12/2022. Bold and smooth. Nice on the palate. Paired well with the baked oysters and bass at Mr. Friendly’s.
9.0WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.