MIGHTY MAYACAMAS ROARS
When we think of Napa Cabernet there are certain names that resonate strongly with all lovers of wine, there’s Dominus, Opus One, Harlan, Maya and then another name that soars under the radar:
Mayacamas
Mayacamas Vineyards has been a source of legendary wine since 1889. A truly historic estate in the heart of Napa located at the top of Mount Veeder, the quality and longevity of Mayacamas’ wines is a product of the terroir on which the grapes are grown. At 1800-2400ft above sea level in the crater of a long extinct volcano, this combination of altitude, complex volcanic soils and dry farming yields concentrated berries that give wonderfully structured and complex wines.
The estate was taken over in 2013 and the new custodians have ensured they continue to stay true to Mayacamas’ heritage, making precise Cabernet with spectacular ageing potential. These are not wines to tackle in their youth, they age gracefully well into their 30s. Under this new stewardship the estate has been going from strength to strength, the 2015 won No.2 in the Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2019, it also achieved 97+ from acclaimed critic Antonio Galloni.
The 2016 however is certainly a step up in terms of quality, 99 points from Galloni:
“The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is every bit as monumental as it was from barrel last year. Rich, deep and powerful, the 2016 is endowed with tremendous fruit concentration and all of the structure to back it up. Wild, savory and super-expressive from the very first taste, the 2016 is utterly magnificent. Wild cherry, grilled herbs, new leather, licorice and mocha infuse the 2016 with tremendous brooding power. The 2016 represents a striking, contemporary expression. All the Mayacamas signatures are there, but with just an extra kick of finesse that makes the 2016 a Cabernet of total allure”.
Antonio Galloni
While the score speaks for itself, this wine is clearly “utterly magnificent”, Mayacamas still has one more trick up its sleeve. The value in this wine is off the charts.
This is a winery that can stand up to icons of the region and still offers value to those lucky enough to get their hands on a case.
Mayacamas has firmly cemented itself as a New California Icon, a producer making truly epic Cabernet. The wines produced are of such sublime quality that they would rival even top producers from Bordeaux, further testament to this producer punching well above its weight.
It is with bated breath we anticipate the release of the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon and justifiably so, this is the highest rated ever wine from the estate, a very exciting prospect indeed. The 2016 Cabernet is a wine that will cellar comfortably well in to the 2050s. We expect high levels of demand for this new release but if you are interested in a case please do contact Private Client Sales Manager Patrick Robinson for more information.
