Sherwin Family Vineyards in the Spring Mountain district of Napa Valley was started in 1996 by Steve and Linda Sherwin, a Bay Area couple with an interest in winemaking. The 30-acre property they purchased came with 2.5 acres of well-established vineyards. In 1999 the Sherwins released their debut commercial wine, a 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon. Steve Sherwin eventually cleared another 14 acres for vineyards and today the estate is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Cab/Merlot blend, called Cobalt.
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.