Growing Conditions
This 2013 Amici Cellars Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is a fresh, elegant expression of its famous appellation. The vineyard source for this wine sits on the eastern side of the Mayacamas at an elevation of approxi- mately 1500 feet. The combination of morning sun and evenings cooled by mountain air allowed the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly without major heat spikes. These conditions produced an elegant, balanced wine with spicy aromas and Spring Mountain’s signature dark red fruit and graceful tannins, highlighted by fresh acidity.
The Spring Mountain appellation lies above the town of St. Helena on the eastern slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains that separate Napa Valley from Sonoma Valley. The area is defined by small vineyards, often hand-tilled on terraces and sloping meadows, and wineries hidden from view among steep winding roads. Over the years, despite its limited space and remoteness, the Spring Mountain appellation has produced an abundance of wines acclaimed worldwide for an unmistakable profile. Unlike other mountain appellations, these wines have an intense flavor that leans more to dark red fruit than black, with an earthy minerality and unusually silky, balanced tannins.
2013 is widely regarded as one of the best vintages on record for Napa Valley winemaking. The ideal year began with a mild spring and no frosts, and continued with a summer and fall that brought warm, even temperatures and no heat waves. Throughout the growing season the vines enjoyed warm days and cool nights, allowing a long, slow ripening that resulted in beautifully balanced wines with fully developed flavors and fresh acidity.
Winemaking
Deep crimson-purple in color, this wine presents inviting aromas of black cherry, cassis, toast and cigar box. The elegant, balanced flavors of dark fruits are highlighted by notes of dried herbs and spice, framed by firm, gentle tannins and a rounded mid-palate with a long, warm finish.
