2015 Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon

Amentet Estate Vineyard

Mount Veeder

95 POINTS

"One of the highlights in this range, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon (Mt. Veeder) is seriously beautiful. A healthy dollop (24%) of Merlot gives the wine terrific mid-palate pliancy and fruit depth to play off of the more intensely mineral and soil-drive signatures, of which there are many. Raspberry jam, crushed rocks, blood orange, white pepper and red cherry jam infuse this deep, powerful Cabernet Sauvignon from Robert Craig."
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
March 2018

750 ml

After 22 years sourcing our Veeder Cabernet from the Pym Rae Vineyard, the 2015 will be our final bottling from the late Robin Williams’ 19-acre property. Pym Rae is on the north end of the appellation, free from coastal influence, where the fruit develops incredible structure and purity. For now, we say a fond farewell to an outstanding property and old friend, while looking ahead to 2019, when we will introduce our first Cabernet from our new estate vineyard—newly christened “Amentet Vineyard”—which abuts the Pym Rae property.

BLEND: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot
HARVEST DATES: September 16-October 13, 2015
AVERAGE SUGAR: 25.9° Brix | TA: 6.8g/L | pH: 3.64 | ALCOHOL: 15.06%
BARREL AGING: 18 months in Chateau-style French oak; 80% new & 20% 2nd year.
Unfiltered and unfined.
BOTTLING DATE: April 27, 2017
CASES PRODUCED: 775
ALSO AVAILABLE IN 1.5L | 3L

Perched at 1,700’ of elevation along Wall Road on the north end of the Mount Veeder AVA, this 6.5-acre vineyard is destined for greatness. After 22 vintages of purchasing fruit on a handshake contract with the late actor Robin Williams from the neighboring Pym Rae vineyard, it was a joy to receive a first harvest from our own immaculate young vineyard in 2016. We christened the property Amentet Vineyard, after the Egyptian Goddess of the West. With the “rebirth” of our Veeder Cab, Amentet (pronounced “AH-men-TETT”) seems the perfect patroness—the goddess of fertility and rebirth, who was often depicted with a hawk perched upon her head. Given the number of red tails spotted from our new vineyard, this seems particularly providential. The site was planted and managed by the same man who farmed the neighboring Pym Rae vineyard for Robin for more than two decades, and it is no surprise that the resulting wines are so similar. The sandy, gravel-based soils of shale with a sandstone topsoil produce wines that are black in color with very low PH values and naturally high acids. A perfect combination for longevity. The beauty of this warmer, fog-free northern section of Mount Veeder is that the wines are free of any unwanted vegetal or rustic characteristics that can affect cooler climate sites to the south.

Our 2015 Mount Veeder offering is a towering wine of tremendous tannin structure coupled with dense color. Classic Mount Veeder markers are present in force; dried cocoa, pencil shaving, cassis, and mountain violet are woven into this tightly wound wine. This Mount Veeder release is without doubt one of the most profound Cabernets that we have produced at Robert Craig Winery in terms of its size and power. If enjoying this wine young, a two-hour decant is recommended. The 2015 Mount Veeder will cellar comfortably for decades yet should start to show well as soon as 2020.

95 POINTS
"One of the highlights in this range, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon (Mt. Veeder) is seriously beautiful. A healthy dollop (24%) of Merlot gives the wine terrific mid-palate pliancy and fruit depth to play off of the more intensely mineral and soil-drive signatures, of which there are many. Raspberry jam, crushed rocks, blood orange, white pepper and red cherry jam infuse this deep, powerful Cabernet Sauvignon from Robert Craig."
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
March 2018

93+ POINTS
"From one of my favorite terroirs in the valley, the saturated purple-colored 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder (76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Merlot) is a violet-tinged, blueberry, sage brush, charcoal, and menthol scented 2015 that offers full-bodied richness, a notable minerality, good mid-palate density and a beautiful finish. Closed, backward, yet impressively concentrated on the palate, it's a beautiful wine that needs to be forgotten for 4-5 years, and it should keep for two decades."
Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com
12/29/17

93 POINTS
"Aromas of blackberry and blueberry with crushed stone. Full body, soft and silky tannins and a fruity finish. A blend of 76% cabernet sauvignon and 24% merlot. Drink in 2020."
James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
12/27/17

2015 Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon

About This Wine

Vineyard

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2015 Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon

About This Wine

Vineyard

Tasting Notes

Accolades

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