Under the guidance of consulting winemaker Francoise Peschon (Araujo, Accendo, Drinkward Peschon, Vine Hill Ranch) and winemaker Graham Wehmeier (“Wehmeier will soon be recognized as one of the most talented and thoughtful winemakers in California” – Antonio Galloni), Henry and Vanessa Cornell are taking the slow, careful and studied approach to creating a world-class winery estate. 18 years ago, they purchased this wonderland, located not far from Pride, Philip Togni and Fisher. To get there, you will pass from Napa County into Sonoma County and crest the peak of the Mayacamas mountain range. On the Napa side of the border, this area is considered Spring Mountain. On the Sonoma side, it is wild, mountaintop, Sonoma County.
The Cornell Estate is two hundred wild acres with sweeping views, within which you’ll find twenty acres of obsessively farmed vineyard blocks. The Cornell Vineyards 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is classically built, balancing power with impeccable finesse. Deeply saturated and nearly impenetrable in the glass, aromas of black cherries and blackberries are complemented with nuances of black tea, rosehip and camphor. Tangy flavors of pomegranate and citrus zest accentuate the vibrant acidity, while notes of wet slate and scorched earth contribute to a strong sense of minerality. The vines’ surroundings come through with forest floor, bay laurel, wild sage, licorice and chapparal. The tannins, while bountiful, are refined and beautifully balanced. The great intensity, purity and proportion of this wine suggest that it will age well for at least several decades.
Made up of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Petit Verdot. 525 Cases Produced.
