Lot 580
2021 Mount Veeder Cabernet Franc

Over $100/bottle under the original label

Lot 580 is a single-vineyard Cabernet Franc from a high-altitude site perched in the appellation’s steep, rugged terrain. Its well-draining ancient seabed soils produce grapes of wonderful concentration, showcasing some of the finest mountain terroir on the North Coast. This beauty and its sister Lot 581 were library acquisitions from the sale of a highly acclaimed family winery. Each intricately structured wine is irresistible, telling the story of its respective vintage while possessing Mt. Veeder’s hallmark bramble and dark fruit profile. Older releases from this hallowed winery are long gone, so our customers are the only people that will ever get access to these final vintage gems.

Lot 580 is almost impenetrable on the pour. The nose unfurls slowly, layering black cherries and licorice with crushed violets, dried herbs, and wet stone, accented by vanilla, black pepper, and dark chocolate. The palate is a clear expression of its mountain provenance: densely concentrated, almost-black fruit meets strong minerality, perfectly interwoven with medium+ acidity and plentiful, uniform tannins. Tobacco leaf, dried red chili, and leather lend savory dimension, uplifted by a touch of spice. The finish is remarkably dry, carrying notes of additional spice, fresh-sliced vanilla bean, and resinous dark fruit that all linger seemingly forever.