2019 Cabernet Sauvignons from the Spring Mountain District are reviewed by Jonathan Cristaldi in Decanter:

This tiny northerly AVA, perched on steep terraces in the Mayacamas range which divides the Napa and Sonoma valleys, enjoyed a stellar Cabernet Sauvignon vintage in 2019. Decanter’s Napa correspondent Jonathan Cristaldi picks out the best buys. This mountain AVA is nestled between 120m and 640m amid the northern and eastern slopes of Napa Valley’s Mayacamas range. And the 2019 vintage has been described as ‘stunning’ for Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon.

In 2019, winter rains were substantial – more so than in 2018 – and the growing season was ideal without excessive heat or major weather events. ‘It was a picture-perfect cool to warm harvest: even and slow, with no heat spikes and just ideal harvest temperatures,’ says Stu Smith of Smith-Madrone. He explained that the wines had excellent flavour development, with low sugars and tremendous colour extraction, as well as great balance between acidity and pH levels. In short, it’s a stunning vintage for Cabernet Sauvignon.

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