2009 Juslyn Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon, 3-bottle Lot

Juslyn Vineyards was founded in 1997 by Perry and Carolyn Butler, a couple who had spent the previous 15 years building a computer company in the Bay Area. After selling their computer business, they purchased 42 acres overlooking Spring Mountain. Juslyn’s first commercial release was a 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon made from grapes purchased from Andy Beckstoffer. Craig MacLean is winemaker. The estate makes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and blends.

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.