Each cuvée is fermented and aged separately (in French barrels for several years). After about a year, they are blended and returned to the barrels for a total of 24 months of barrel aging. The grapes are a blend of the Domaine Eden vineyards and four excellent vineyards in the neighboring Saratoga and Los Gatos. The brewing is the same as Mount Eden. If Mount Eden is a solo singer, this Cabernet is a chorus. Various elements come together to portray the characteristics of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
The main Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of grapes from the winery's own vineyards (Mount Eden and Domaine Eden) and three other vineyards sourced in addition to the winery's own vineyards, including Saratoga and Los Gatos.
The growers from the three vineyards have close relationships with the Patersons of Mount Eden and work together to discuss agricultural practices to produce high quality fruit.
Applying the findings from Mount Eden, the grapes are grown in cool climates to reduce yields and are harvested at the ripeest point, resulting in a balanced flavour.
Technical information
Harvest: A cold, rainy winter in 2018 was followed by some spring rains in May, resulting in a fairly average harvest. Harvest took place from late September through October.
Brewing and aging: Each lot was fermented separately and aged separately in French barrels (2/3) and American barrels (1/3) that had been used for several years (2-5 years) for the first year. In the winter of the second year, more than 30 lots were blended and then aged in barrels again (total aging of about 24 months).
Tasting Comments
While the Mount Eden Estate is a soloist, Domaine Eden is a chorus. The complex wine, which reflects the characteristics of the five varieties contained in the cepage, has aromas of currant, sage, mint, and sweet oak. Compared to the estate, the tannins and acidity are milder, so it can be enjoyed early from the release date, but it can also be aged for a long time, and will evolve beautifully during that time.
Vintage: 2018
Capacity: 750ml
Type: Red wine
Taste: Full-bodied
Main variety: Cabernet Sauvignon 82%
Blend: 13% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Santa Cruz Mountains
Vineyards: Grapes sourced from our own vineyards (Mount Eden & Domaine Eden) and from Saratoga and Los Gatos
Note: Wine Spectator 91 (Nov. 15, 2022)
Winemaker: Jeffrey Patterson
Vinification: Each batch is fermented separately
Aging: 24 months in barrels
Soils: Domaine Eden: Los Gatos clay loam soil, Mount Eden: Franciscan shale soil
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.0%
JAN: 791066200731