Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder 2020
VINTAGE NOTES
The 2020 growing season began with a dry winter and mild spring that led to early budbreak. A few heat spells in May pushed the vines through bloom and later at veraison, with perfectly moderate growing conditions in between. Warm, sunny weather prevailed through September and produced red grapes with excellent ripeness and distinct fruit character. Our 2020 red wines are rich, concentrated and show a great depth of flavor.
VINEYARD SOURCES
Alpha Omega’s AVA series was born out of our collaboration with celebrated Consulting Winemaker Andy Erickson. Mount Veeder is named after Dutch Presbyterian pastor, Peter Veeder, reverend at the First Presbyterian Church in Napa during the Civil War. Historically known as the “Napa Redwoods”, over 85% of the Mount Veeder AVA is dense, natural forest and “wildlife corridors” are found in many vineyards to accommodate wildlife. Mount Veeder is in the southern flank of the Mayacamas Mountains, just west of the town of Napa, with vineyards planted up to 2,500 feet and slopes that reach 30°. For the 2020 vintage, we selected grapes from two sections of Mount Veeder including our heralded Stricker (formerly known as Drew) Vineyard.
WINEMAKING
The 2020 vintage is a blend of 99% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petit Verdot for added structure. This wine was 50% barrel fermented in two- and three-year-old French oak barriques and 50% in stainless steel tanks, followed by 18 months of aging in 20% new French oak barriques.
On the nose: Aromas of maraschino cherry, cassis and black fig are accented by notes of toasted fennel seed, cigar box, red miso and roasted herbs.
On the palate: Dense, full bodied flavors of black cherry, anise and dark chocolate mixed with graham cracker, toasted pecan and cedar leads to a firm, long finish.
