As we approach Thanksgiving and the holidays, we're looking most forward to sharing (and gifting!) some of our newest Napa Valley AVA releases with friends and family. Wine Blogger and Certified Specialist of Wine, Raquel Royers (a.k.a. @watchmesip on Instagram,) is helping us celebrate these new releases by taking us on a virtual tour of the Napa Valley region of California. So get ready to pour yourself a glass, and sip along!
If you call yourself a Napa Valley Cabernet lover you probably have an affinity to a certain AVA (American Viticulture Area). For myself, I know that I have a soft spot for mountain wines in particular, especially Spring Mountain and Howell Mountain, which is why I am so excited for the release of the new 90+ Cellars Collector Series, AVA specific Cabernets. Grab a glass! Let's dive in and learn a little bit about their nuances and what makes each one of them unique. To keep this fun, we’re going to be taking a virtual road trip through the Napa Valley.
Oakville:
Picture this – it’s a cool fall morning, the vineyards are changing from green to yellow and you’re driving through the world-famous Napa Valley. Ahhh, nowhere else you’d rather be. First stop, Oakville – an AVA situated in the center of the valley, on the valley floor and extends on each side to the slopes of the Mayacamas on the west and Vaca Mountains on the east. The valley floor can see very high temperatures but thankfully the oceanic air influences from the San Pablo Bay provide relief to the vines. Given the span of area Oakville AVA covers on either side, soils here vary from volcanic to sedimentary (rocks and minerals, old sea floor.) Cabernet thrives here. In fact, some of the most famous vineyards in the valley call this AVA home.
Now I know what you’ve been waiting for. Let’s get to the wine!
Lot 200 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon:
This beautiful wine welcomes you with a vibrant nose of pomegranate, cherry, dustiness, and invigorating florals. On the palate you’ll find a bright, inviting wine with grippy tannins and high mouth-watering acidity. This Cabernet is easy to drink and playful. learn more
Spring Mountain District:
You snuggle back into your car and decide to head into the western hills outside of St. Helena. As you climb the windy backroad you emerge above the fog line. Your ears pop. You pull over to admire the view at a lookout point and see nothing but vineyards. The sun is shining but there’s a slight breeze carrying the calming scent of forest floor. This is Spring Mountain District.
Spring Mountain is full of small, hidden vineyards, in between the lush forested land that sit on high terraced slopes. It’s above St. Helena and right below the Mayacamas Mountain range which separates Napa Valley from Sonoma. Elevations run from 400 to 2,600 feet, which has a huge influence on the grapes. This means, lots of sun during the day but cool nights, yet above the morning fog line – ideal for growing Cabernet. Spring Mountain has many different microclimates in itself due to the terraced vineyards which results in structured and complex wines.
Lot 150 Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon:
One dip of your nose into this glass and you’re immediately drawn in by the notes of bright red fruits, cedar, wet leaves and spice. Equally as alluring on the palate, you’ll discover a rush of strawberry jam, chocolate dusted raspberries and well integrated tannins. A beautifully structured wine with so much to be discovered. learn more
Howell Mountain:
After soaking in your views, you get back into your car and type Howell Mountain into your navigation – about a 20-minute drive. Heading down the hill and east, you cut through the valley floor and begin your climb again. While close, these two areas have vastly different microclimates. Howell Mountain vineyard sites span from 1,400-2,500 feet above sea level and like Spring Mountain, is surrounded by forest and experiences a large diurnal shift. The soil here is a mix of clay and volcanic ash called “tufa” (impress your friends with that knowledge next time you have a wine night), which creates deep, concentrated wines.
Lot 194 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon:
The nose on this wine is decadent – full of candied cherries, licorice and graphite. On the first sip you’re greeted with rich, luscious black fruit and a long, soft and luscious finish. This Cabernet is like a nice big hug in a glass and truly reflective of everything that is to love about a Howell Mountain Cabernet. learn more
Calistoga:
As your road trip through the Napa Valley continues, you start to get hungry, and stop into the little town of Calistoga. As you may already know, Calistoga is located in the most northern part of the Napa Valley and is home to some of the world’s most famous vineyards and wineries. Given Calistoga is the farthest north – it also is one of the hottest points in the valley. Vineyards here see a lot of sun and higher temperatures during prime growing season. Given Calistoga is in between two mountain ranges, the soil type ranges depending on the exact vineyard location and can see anywhere from volcanic to rocky, gravelly and even clay soil. If you like a ripe, juicy, fruit-forward Cabs – you’ll love this Cabernet from Calistoga.
Lot 206 Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon:
Notes of ripe and juicy blackberries and cherries jump from the glass, followed by thirst quenching acidity and grippy tannins. There’s something about this wine that leaves you wanting more after each sip. learn more
What a tour of the Napa Valley! I don’t know about you but that left my very thirsty. Good thing these new collector series wines just released, as I’m popping one of them as I type. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do and can have a sense of place, virtually imagining yourself in each different region, while enjoying them next.
Cheers!
Raquel Royers
