DuMOL Montecillo Vineyard Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon, Moon Mountain District, USA

Winemaker’s Notes

In 2019 the fruit from this venerable old vineyard, planted at 1,700 feet elevation atop Moon Mountain, was near perfect. It’s unusual and remarkable to replicate the once-in-a-decade quality of 2018 in a successive season, but as the fruit hung on the vine in the final few days leading up to harvest, it became clear that, while different in style, world class quality was there for the taking once again. Opaque, inky purple-black color. Combines floral violets with plum and cassis fruits then cedar and bay leaf savory complexity, crushed stone and tobacco accents. The palate is silky, long, and seamless, broad and mouth filling with cascading texture and deep intensity. Black cherry and blackcurrant fruit give way to graphite, dusty cocoa and red minerals on the persistent finish.  Andy Smith

"The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Montecillo Vineyard is the most inward of the three DuMOL Cabernets in this tasting. Black fruit, herbs, menthol, licorice, gravel and incense lend notable intensity to a Cabernet of real thrust. The Montecillo is the sort of Cabernet that needs many years in bottle to drink well. When it does, readers should expect a wine with considerable mineral and savory presence." Vinous 95+

"The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Montecillo Vineyard features bright redcurrant and rose petal aromas on the nose, plus detailed accents of licorice, roasted coffee and cocoa powder. The full-bodied palate is structured by velvety tannins and bright acidity, though its youthful fruit is tightly wound at this stage, and it's holding on to a bit of new oak spice. Give it 3-5 years in bottle." Wine Advocate 94