Spring Mountain Vineyard: A Napa Valley Treasure
Spring Mountain Vineyard is a privately held estate in the Spring Mountain District AVA of Napa Valley, California. The estate is comprised of four historic vineyards, first planted in the late 1800s. Only estate bottled wines are produced.
The estate is located at an elevation of 400 to 1,700 feet on the eastern slopes of Spring Mountain, within the Spring Mountain District AVA. This AVA is known for its cool climate and diverse soil types, which create ideal conditions for growing a wide variety of grape varieties.
Spring Mountain Vineyard produces a range of wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. The wines are known for their elegance, complexity, and ageability.
History
Spring Mountain Vineyard was founded in 1882 by Charles Lemme. Lemme was a German immigrant who came to Napa Valley in search of a new life. He purchased a 200-acre parcel of land on the eastern slopes of Spring Mountain and planted it with grapevines.
The estate was passed down through Lemme’s family for several generations. In 1971, it was purchased by Mike Robbins, who began to modernize the winery and expand the vineyards. In 1992, the estate was purchased by Don Yannias, the current owner.
Grape Varieties
Spring Mountain Vineyard is home to a wide variety of grape varieties, including:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Zinfandel
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Petit Verdot
- Syrah
- Viognier
The estate’s vineyards are planted on a variety of soil types, including volcanic ash, shale, and loam. This diversity of soil types allows the estate to grow a wide variety of grape varieties and create wines with a range of flavors.
Winemaking Practices
Spring Mountain Vineyard is committed to producing high-quality wines using traditional methods. The grapes are hand-picked and fermented in small batches. The wines are then aged in oak barrels for a minimum of 18 months.
The winemaker at Spring Mountain Vineyard is Philippe Melka, a renowned winemaker who has worked with some of the most prestigious wineries in Napa Valley. Melka is known for his ability to bring out the best in the grapes and create wines that are elegant, complex, and age-worthy.
Most Famous Vintages
Some of the most famous vintages from Spring Mountain Vineyard include:
- 1990
- 1997
- 2002
- 2005
- 2010
These vintages are all known for their exceptional quality and have been highly praised by critics.
Conclusion
Spring Mountain Vineyard is a hidden gem in Napa Valley. The estate produces world-class wines that are elegant, complex, and age-worthy. The estate is also a great place to visit for wine lovers who are interested in learning more about the winemaking process.
If you are looking for a unique and memorable wine experience in Napa Valley, then Spring Mountain Vineyard is a great option. The estate is a perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or to simply enjoy a romantic weekend getaway.
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