This month, we're diving into the heart of Napa Valley to explore a beloved local hangout, a historic vineyard, and a timeless wine that embodies the region's rich heritage. Join us as we celebrate Cadet's 10th anniversary, uncover the story of Spring Mountain Vineyard, and savor a legendary vintage.
Bar Spotlight - Cadet Wine and Beer
In the ever-evolving landscape of downtown Napa, Cadet Wine and Beer stands as a beacon of community and innovation. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Cadet has become more than just a wine bar—it's a cultural institution that has played a pivotal role in transforming Napa's nightlife and fostering a tight-knit community of wine professionals and enthusiasts.
Founded in 2014 by Aubrey Bailey and Taylor Domin, Cadet was born from a simple desire: to create a place where hospitality workers could unwind after their shifts. What started as a late-night hangout has blossomed into a hub of wine education, exploration, and camaraderie.
Cadet's success lies in its ability to balance local charm with global appeal. While initially focusing on California wines, the bar quickly pivoted to showcase an eclectic mix of international offerings, satisfying the curiosity of its wine-savvy clientele. The ever-rotating list of over 100 wines by the bottle offers something for every palate, from classic Napa Cabernets to obscure natural wines from far-flung regions.
But it's not just about what's in the glass—Cadet's real magic happens through its events. The legendary Winemaker Wednesdays have become a launchpad for up-and-coming producers and a showcase for established names alike. These events have helped build a sense of community among Napa's winemakers, offering a rare opportunity to share their passion projects and personal labels.
As Cadet enters its second decade, Bailey and Domin continue to innovate. With a new spirits license in hand, they're expanding their offerings while staying true to their roots of supporting small producers and fostering a sense of discovery among their patrons.
Whether you're a local winemaker, a curious tourist, or somewhere in between, Cadet offers a warm welcome and a chance to expand your palate. Here's to another ten years of great wine, good company, and the enduring spirit of Napa Valley.
Winery Spotlight - Spring Mountain Vineyard
Perched on the eastern slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains, Spring Mountain Vineyard is a testament to the pioneering spirit and enduring legacy of Napa Valley winemaking. This sprawling 845-acre estate is not just a vineyard—it's a living tapestry of history, terroir, and viticultural innovation.
The story of Spring Mountain Vineyard is one of unification and vision. It weaves together three historic estates—La Perla, Chevalier, and Miravalle—each founded in the late 19th century by visionaries who saw the potential in Spring Mountain's unique terroir. Today, these combined properties create a diverse landscape that spans from the town of St. Helena up to ridgetops at 1,700 feet elevation.
What sets Spring Mountain Vineyard apart is its remarkable diversity. The property encompasses a 1,000-foot elevation change, creating a multitude of microclimates and soil types. This variability allows for an incredible range of grape expressions, all within a single estate. The vineyard team, guided by meticulous research and modern technology, has mapped out this complexity to optimize grape growing across the property.
The winery's approach is a blend of reverence for tradition and embrace of innovation. They honor the century-old craftsmanship that preceded them while leveraging cutting-edge viticultural practices. This balance is evident in their wines, which capture the essence of Spring Mountain while pushing the boundaries of what's possible in Napa Valley winemaking.
Spring Mountain Vineyard's wines are a reflection of this unique terroir and thoughtful winemaking. They embody the wildness of the mountain terrain, balancing bold character with nuance and restraint. Each wine tells a story of its specific place within the vast estate, offering wine lovers a liquid geography lesson with every sip.
For visitors, Spring Mountain Vineyard offers more than just wine tasting. The property is steeped in history, featuring two Victorian mansions, expansive caves, and 19th-century stables. It's a place where the past and present of Napa Valley converge, offering a glimpse into the region's rich heritage while showcasing its exciting future.
As Spring Mountain Vineyard continues to evolve, it remains committed to expressing the unique character of its mountain home. It stands as a symbol of Napa Valley's enduring appeal and the endless potential of its terroir.
Wine Spotlight - 1979 Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
In the world of fine wines, there are bottles that transcend time, offering a liquid history lesson with every sip. The 1979 Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is one such wine—a testament to the longevity of Napa Valley Cabernets and the distinctive terroir of Spring Mountain.
At 45 years old, this wine continues to impress with its vitality and complexity. The deep ruby color belies its age, showing a youthful brightness that hints at careful cellaring. On the nose, it offers a dusty, spicy aroma with a toasty bouquet typical of aged Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon. Notes of leather and tobacco mingle with dried cherries, cocoa, and a subtle hint of soy and dry spices, creating an intriguing and layered aromatic profile.
The palate reveals a full-bodied wine with strong, broad tannins that have softened beautifully over time. Good acidity provides backbone and freshness, while the rich, lingering finish speaks to the wine's pedigree and age-worthiness. The entry is soft and polished, with vibrant acidity reinforcing the dried cherry and floral characteristics.
What makes this vintage particularly special is its composition—it's made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon, which was unusual for Spring Mountain in the 1970s and 1980s when blending with Merlot or Cabernet Franc was common. The grapes were primarily sourced from the Wildwood Vineyard in east Rutherford, fermented to full extraction, and aged in well-seasoned French oak barrels for 22 months.
For those lucky enough to experience this wine, it offers a glimpse into Napa Valley's winemaking history. It showcases the region's ability to produce age-worthy Cabernets long before it gained international recognition. However, given its age, care should be taken when opening and serving. An 'ah-so' style cork puller is recommended for extraction, and the wine benefits from a short 10-15 minute decant before serving.
The 1979 Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is more than just a bottle of wine—it's a piece of Napa Valley history. It stands as a testament to the vision of Spring Mountain's early vintners and the enduring quality of the region's wines.
The best part? It's still available directly from the vineyard.
Cheers to Cadet Wine and Beer, Spring Mountain Vineyard, and the 1979 Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon – three shining examples of the diversity, history, and exciting future of Napa Valley's food and wine scene!
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