2023 Bell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

2023 BELL MOUNTAIN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 

Of Bell Mountain Vineyard’s 50 acres of vines, 50% are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, a testament to our passion for this grape.  Our vineyard is situated in the southeast corner of Alexander Valley at the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains, giving us well-drained, gravelly-clay soil with a compacted layer of volcanic ash underneath.  This location has the hot Alexander Valley summers combined with cool nights that is just what the Cabernet Sauvignon grape is looking for to maximize sugar, acid, and tannin development.  

The 2023 Bell Mountain Cabernet is filled with aromas of mixed berry pie, ripe blackberry, and vanilla that is layered with notes of steeped black tea and graphite. The palate shows a dense core of black fruit, driven by bright, lush acidity that carries through to a long, focused finish. Refined, supple tannins provide classic Bell Mountain structure, supporting the fruit while letting it take center stage. Perfect alongside grilled ribeye or rosemary-garlic lamb chops. 

Vintage  

The 2023 vintage was exceptional in so many ways and is expected to stand out as one of the finest. Beginning with a much-needed abundance of rainfall, a welcome relief after three years of intense drought; the vineyard came back to life with vibrant soil and canopies. A cool spring and summer allowed for a prolonged and gradual ripening period, resulting in exceptional phenolic ripeness and abundant flavors without excessively high sugar levels. Harvest kicked off later than usual, progressing at a steady pace that required lots of patience. This promises to be a vintage worth remembering and one that will let Bell Mountain truly express itself. We can't wait to savor the fruits of this extraordinary season.