We have an incredible trio of sub-AVA Cabs from Martin Ray on offer today. For many years Martin Ray have sourced exceptional parcels of fruit from across Napa Valley in beyond based on decades of relationships in the business. The Diamond Mountain, Howell Mountain, and Mount Veeder bottlings represent the pinnacle of their production sourcing the best-of-the-best barrels for the small-production, AVA specific wines. The Mount Veeder bottling comes from a highly renowned but non disclosed site off Wall Road in the northern part of the AVA. This site has long produced some of the most highly acclaimed wines from the region. The wine is fermented in small, open-top fermenters, punched down by hand, and gently basket pressed. The wine is handled gently so as to not over extract the wine and overwhelm the incredible detailed nuances of the site. Ageing for the Veeder sees a more modest 50% new French oak for 18 months. The wine is a very classic expression of Veeder with mountain chaparral, cedar, leather and crushed volcanic rock intermingled with a more red fruited profile. Serious and structured but with elegant, long chain tannins. I love Veeder Cab for its retention and even amplification of the savory aspects of the grape that I love so much in Bordeaux and other cooler climate regions where it's grown. The vines here sit at significant elevation and the daytime highs are significantly cooler than the valley floor below. So, even in warm vintages like 2022, the Cabernet-ness doesn't get ripened out of the grapes. A beautiful wine with a more classically styled flavor profile. Our long relationship with Martin Ray allows us to bring you this incredible wines, with massive scores to you at very reasonable price points. Enjoy!