2009 Sarocka Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

Sarocka Estate is a boutique operation located high in the Spring Mountain district. Sarocka is owned by Irene Sarocka Scully, who previously owned a 27-acre vineyard on Mt. Veeder where she produced wine under the Scully label. But she sold that estate and now owns the Spring Mountain property, which includes just 2.5 acres of vineyards at 1200 feet above sea level. The vineyards come with some excellent pedigrees. They were replanted in 2005 by David Abreu and are today managed by Jim Barbour. Mike Hirby is winemaker and the estate produces small amounts off Cabernet Sauvignon.

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.