I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, there is no tougher critic of Napa Valley Cabernet than the Wine Spectator. Perception seems to be that Wine Spectator throws out big scores willy-nilly, but that’s just not true. Let’s take the phenomenal 2016 vintage in Napa for instance, regarded by most as one of the best in decades. The Wine Advocate, Vinous Media, and Jeb Dunnuck combined awarded an astounding 80+ Napa Cabernets with the perfect 100 pt score. Wine Spectator? None.

When the Wine Spectator rates a Napa Cabernet 95 pts its worth paying attention. When it sells for under $80 it’s worth buying by the case load!

Only eight Napa Valley Cabernets over the past decade have scored 95 pts from the Wine Spectator and sell for under $80. From 2015 and 2016, this is the only wine.

This 95 pt score from Wine Spectator ranks this wine alongside some esteemed competition too, Dominus 2016 ($250+), Diamond Creek’s 2016s ($250+), Spottswoode 2016 ($200+), Phelps Insignia 2016 ($250+)… These all received 100 point scores from the other publications!

Spring Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Pre-arrival price $78.99 net  (Beats US best price on winesearcher.com)

95 pts Wine Spectator

Spring Mountain Vineyard, is actually three historic properties combined. La Perla, founded in 1873 by Charles Lemme, these were the first Cabernet Sauvignon vines planted on Spring Mountain. Miravalle, a historic home and property founded by Tiburcio Parrott in the 1860s. And Chevalier, formerly Chateau Chevalier, founded by Frenchman and Napa pioneer Fortune Chevalier in 1880. In total, almost 845 acres, spanning the eastern slopes of the mountain, 400-1450+ ft in elevation. Some of the blocks here are almost 60 years old, the oldest to be found anywhere on the mountain today.

Winery note: This vintage is showing the classic characteristics of Spring Mountain. On the nose this young Cabernet shows cedar, cassis and bay leaf interwoven violets and white peppercorn. The palate presents notes of blackberry bramble, plum and cocoa integrated with a layer of bright red fruits and hints of thyme and sage. A strong smooth backbone of oak and tannin balance out the fruit providing for long term aging of 15+ years. 

“Features black currant, blackberry and boysenberry reduction flavors that are tightly coiled for now, carried by well-embedded acidity and racy graphite notes. The long finish pumps out fruit, with extra anise and sweet tobacco elements checking in. This should evolve well in the cellar. Best from 2022 through 2040. 1,974 cases made.” – WS

And if you’re feeling the splurge, their Bordeaux blend is tough to beat:

Spring Mountain Vineyard Elivette 2016 – pre-arrival price $139.99 net  (Beats US best price on winesearcher.com)

96 pts Wine Spectator

Winery note: The Elivette 2016 is flamboyant with bold fruit content. You will experience concentrated layers of texture in your mouth. The flavor profile is lingering and tenuous. The wine is vivid and playful, with the approachability of fruit tones. There is a balance of young fruit and additional depth to the classical mountain style. You can enjoy it now but a few years of cellaring will reveal a magical vintage.

“Lush boysenberry, blackberry and plum fruit cascades forth, backed by streaks of charcoal, dark tobacco and roasted apple wood on the finish. Shows heft as well as mouthwatering cut, with a buried iron note resonating through the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Malbec. Best from 2023 through 2040. 2,400 cases made.” – WS

Supply is limited. Please reply to order. Due to arrive in 3-5 weeks.