Napa Valley’s Mayacamas has announced the release of its 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon and library release of 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaker Braiden Albrecht and Consulting Winemaker Andy Erickson produced the 2017 vintage of the vineyard’s signature Cabernet Sauvignon, remaining consistent with the practices winemaker Robert Travers utilized to create the 2007 release a decade ago.
Grapes for the 2007 and 2017 Cabernet Sauvignons were harvested from high-elevation vineyards on Mount Veeder in the cool mountain climate and the lowest yields in Napa Valley. This appellation produces soils ranging from poor volcanic deposits to ancient seabed, allowing these wines to retain high acidity and a clean, mineral character. After the Nuns Fire destroyed some of the vineyard in October of 2017, the team took comfort in having already selected lots that best represent the classic style of Mayacamas. Perhaps one of the scarcest vintages to date, only 500 cases of the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon were produced.
“Releasing these two excellent and comparable cabernets that were harvested a decade apart showcases the team’s commitment to the classic techniques that have been vital to the quality of our wines since the 1950’s,” said Albrecht. “We’re excited to share the vibrant and bold 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon that can be enjoyed over the next two decades, and we envision a long life for the tremendously layered 2007 library release with an extended drinking window of another 15-20 years.”
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon opens with dried rose petals, sage, and ripe black cherry. The palate brings vibrant mountain structure interlaced with lavender, dark plum, and bay laurel and a long persistence with red apple skin, menthol, and dried tobacco. Dried violet and lavender open the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, with a richly textured ripe mountain blackberry mid palate supported by vibrant tones of fresh cranberry and pomegranate. The inherent structure of this wine speaks to both the warm vintage and the hillside site, with the back palate giving way to savory tannins threaded with rocky mineral, bitter chocolate, and cool cedar tones.
The 2017 Mayacamas Cabernet Sauvignon will be available for purchase for $135 and the 2007 Mayacamas Cabernet Sauvignon will be priced at $250 in September 2021.
For more information, head over to Mayacamas’ official website.
