Sonoma Valley Montecillo Cabernet Sauvignon

A first intake to SA shores of the Arnot-Robert’s Montecillo Vineyard Cabernet. Just 7 barrels produced.  One of the great sites of Cabernet Sauvignon, it was planted on its own roots in 1969 on the ridgeline between Napa and the Valley of the Moon in Sonoma County. Dry farmed, old and healthy vines, whilst the earth is rocky and austere, producing intensely small berries.

In cooler vintages, the site can produce lifted aromatics and real finesse, almost Cabernet Franc like and quite atypical for Californian Cabernet. In warmer vintages like 2018 and 2019, there is density abound, and this is where, under the hands of Arnot-Roberts’, the wine can really shine.

"The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Montecillo Vineyard is a head spinning wine. Rich, dense and explosive, the 2019 captures all the pedigree of this great site... Graphite, leather, dried herbs, menthol and licorice play off a core of intense, dark fruit. Potent, muscular tannins need time to soften, but, wow, what a wine. Best of all, the Montecillo is one of the most insane values readers will find in elite California Cabernet Sauvignon. I would be thrilled to own it."  98pts, Antonio Galloni, Vinous