Mayacamas Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Mayacamas Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is the estate's flagship red, grown above the fog line on Mount Veeder.

Very little about this wine belongs to modern California. Fermentation happens in concrete and maturation in century-old foudre, which owes more to Piemonte than to the Napa cults, and the house has never chased high-octane ripeness or big scores. At around 700 metres the volcanic highland site delivers Napa's longest season and lowest natural yields. The 2020 fruit came in between 5 and 16 September and fermented cool in concrete, stainless steel and a few oak puncheons, averaging sixteen days on skins; winemaker Braiden Albrecht shortened skin time and used fewer press lots given how warm and dry the year ran. Twenty months in foudre and puncheon followed, then a year in neutral barrique.

Young, precise and wild at the edges, with blackcurrant and briar, iron and dried herb, and tannin that builds steadily to a long savoury close. Decant for an hour, serve at 18 degrees, and match it with roast lamb, hard cheese or anything off charcoal. It will drink well for decades.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.