94 Points From James Suckling
“Aromas of bark, cassis, bay leaf and ground spice. Full-bodied with fine, tight tannins. Bright acidity helps to articulate the ripe red and black fruit. Nice transparency. Best after 2025.” - James Suckling, June 1, 2022
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The 2019 Yates Family Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon is a distinguished wine from the Mount Veeder AVA in Napa Valley, California. The Yates family, with their deep roots in the region, is known for producing wines that showcase the unique terroir of Mount Veeder, which is characterized by its steep, rugged terrain and cooler climate compared to other parts of Napa Valley.
Mount Veeder is known for its high elevation and steep slopes, which create a challenging environment for viticulture but result in wines with exceptional concentration and character. The vineyards benefit from cooler temperatures, which allow for a longer growing season and slower ripening, leading to grapes with more intense flavors and higher acidity.
The Yates Family employs meticulous vineyard management and winemaking techniques to capture the essence of their Mount Veeder vineyards. The grapes are hand-harvested and sorted to ensure only the best fruit goes into the wine. Fermentation typically occurs in small batches to maintain control over the process, and the wine is aged in a combination of new and used French oak barrels, which adds complexity and integrates the tannins while preserving the fruit’s purity.
