The 2018 vintage at Spring Mountain Vineyard is marked by structure and power. Heavy winter rains recharged the groundwater and gave the vines new reserves to produce a healthy, balanced crop. Flowering took slightly longer than a typical vintage as Spring temperatures were mild so there was a certain degree of shatter, which naturally balanced the crop load. As the growing season progressed, several heat events in September helped accelerate ripening, which lead to an earlier than usual harvest at the Estate, with the majority of the Bordeaux varieties picked by the end of September and early October. In general, the smaller crop of 2018 produced intensely concentrated, muscular wines with a beautiful structure that will allow them to age gracefully for years to come.

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon opens with aromas of dusty cedar and sage. Notes of dark cherry, sassafras, and fresh fig on the nose compliment floral notes of lavender and violets. Brambly red fruit layered with tobacco, bay leaf, and cassis round out the expressive bouquet. On the palate bright red and blue fruits of cherry and boysenberry burst from the glass. This bright fruit evolves into darker notes of brambly blackberry and black plum all layered with savory flavors of olives and sage. The fruit is balanced with toasty oak and a powerful tannin structure that is truly indicative of the 2018 vintage. While this structure will allow the wine to age gracefully for many, many years to come, the bright intense fruit which Spring Mountain is known for allows this wine to be enjoyed now.