2007 Luscher-Ballard Cabernet Sauvignon

Luscher-Ballard was started in 2002 by Christina Luscher-Ballard and Carroll Ballard, two veterans of the film industry who bought 15 acres on Spring Mountain with advice from their friends John and Maggy Kongsgaard. The property had been an orchard, but the Luscher-Ballard principals planted the land to mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with one acre each of Merlot and Petit Verdot. The first vintage was 2007, and the wine was vinified at Kongsgaard Cellars under the guidance of John Kongsgaard. The estate produces just one wine which his generally available only through a mailing list.

Spring Mountain AVA is above the town of St. Helena on the eastern slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains. There is no actual Spring Mountain, but the name has traditionally been used for the area, which includes many streams and springs. Spring Mountain was awarded appellation status in 1993 and it includes about 1,000 vineyard acres. Vineyard elevations are high, from 400 to 2,600 feet above sea level. Because of the altitude of most vineyards, which are above the fog line, mornings become warm earlier than vineyards on the valley floor, though the afternoons are cooled by maritime winds. The result is an exceptionally long growing season. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most frequently planted grape by acreage, followed by Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay.

One of the most widely grown grape varieties, it can be found in nearly every wine growing region. A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a hardy vine that produces a full-bodied wine with high tannins and great aging potential.