2019 Conn Creek AVA Series Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon

Conn Creek in St. Helena, Napa Valley, was founded in 1973 by Bill and Kathy Collins, who had been amateur winemakers and enthusiasts making wine in their home. But after purchasing 54 acres of vineyards in northern Napa Valley the couple embarked on producing Cabernet Sauvignon under the Conn Creek label. In 1986 the estate was sold to Stimson Lane, the wine and spirits conglomerate owned by Altria, previously known as the Philip Morris Companies Inc. Today the estate makes Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc and Anthology, its flagship blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

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.