Jade Mountain Vineyards blends both varietals and appellations. Their portfolio consists of wines that are blends of both types. Today I’ll look at their current release of Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Jade Mountain 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon was made using fruit sourced in three separate appellations; 55% from Napa Valley, 41% Sonoma County and 4% Lake County. This selection is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine was aged in a combination of French and American oak. This offering most often sells for around $16.
Mid priced wines that source fruit from multiple appellations appeal to me conceptually. At their best these wines are strengthened by blending components with different characteristics from distinct growing regions. Both Napa and Sonoma produce great Cabernet Sauvignon, but they can be very different, to say the least. So on paper blending fruit from both regions with a dollop from Lake County sounds tasty.
Plum, cherry and blackberry characteristics are striking in the nose of this 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. A huge bust of cherry flavors continues that theme throughout the palate which is rich, plush and full flavored. Bosco Chocolate Syrup flavors, earth, minerals and a solid wallop of spice all contribute to a solid finish. This wine is well balanced, featuring yielding tannins and good acidity.
This Cabernet is pretty tasty but it was tight out of the bottle. An hour of air really helped it open up and express itself. Plenty of Cabernet character to be found here for the price point. This is a solid value that lives up to its intent of being an accessible Cabernet for a reasonable price.