Wines Santa Cruz Mountains Mount Eden Vineyards - Cabernet Sauvignon - 2017

Viniou Reviews

Mount Eden Vineyards' 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon from the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA is an outstanding expression of Californian Cabernet, marrying Old World elegance with New World intensity. The wine is primarily composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, although small additions of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, or Petit Verdot may enhance its complexity, typical of Mount Eden's meticulous blending approach. The 2017 vintage, marked by a relatively cool growing season with some heat spikes, yielded grapes of balanced ripeness and refreshing acidity. The terroir, with its rugged mountain slopes, rocky soils, and elevation, contributes layers of minerality and structure along with remarkable longevity. Vinification at Mount Eden tends to emphasise traditional techniques with extended barrel aging, resulting in a wine of remarkable depth: expect aromatics of blackcurrant, cassis, graphite and cedar, supported by a core of ripe blackberry and subtle, savoury spice.

The Santa Cruz Mountains AVA is a historic region for Californian viticulture, renowned for its dramatic landscape between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Clara Valley. Soils here are predominantly Franciscan shale and limestone, which promote excellent drainage and stress on the vines, helping to concentrate the flavours in the fruit. The region's cool, fog-influenced climate moderates ripening, preserving acidity and aromatic intricacy—especially crucial for Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon. Santa Cruz Mountains has been a cradle of pioneering vineyards since the 19th century, with estates like Mount Eden carrying forward a tradition of fine winemaking rooted in respect for the land and its unique microclimate.

A robust yet refined wine such as the 2017 Mount Eden Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with roasted or grilled red meats, particularly lamb or rib-eye steak, where the wine's tannins complement rich, savoury flavours. For regional Californian flair, try it with tri-tip roast or venison with juniper berries. Mature cheeses such as aged cheddar or Comté also work well.

For an optimal tasting experience, decant the wine for at least an hour to fully allow its bouquet to open up. Serve slightly below room temperature, ideally between 16-18°C, to preserve its freshness while allowing the complexity to unfold. This wine will continue to develop beautifully over the next decade or more if cellared appropriately.