True to Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 is near black in color. The nose takes a moment to show itself, then cassis and blueberry pie followed by caramel, cocoa and volcanic earth all jump from the glass. The initial palate is soft and plush and then the tannins start to build. Firm mountain acidity helps attenuate the sizeable chalky tannins. The flavors on the palate move to black currant, cedar box and vanilla bean. This big, stunning wine needs time in bottle to reach its pinnacle.

Established in 2011, TATE is known for single expression wines from independently owned, micro-vineyards across the valley floor and mountain sides of the Napa Valley. Founded by husband and wife team David & Suzanne Tate; they have grown to producing just over 1,000 cases annually of Chardonnay from Yountville, Merlot from Calistoga and single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon's from St. Helena, Mt. Veeder and Howell Mountain.

This Cabernet comes entirely from the Bacchus plot on Mount Veeder owned by the Crouse family. The vines struggle on the rugged aspect to provide small-berried fruit which took until the second week of November to achieve full ripeness. After picking and a couple of days of cold maceration, the fermentation kicked off and punch downs were performed twice-a-day for fourteen days. The small berries resulted in quick extraction with very sizeable tannins and color. The wine was aged in French oak barrels for 22 months.