High on the slopes of Mount Veeder, Mayacamas Vineyards has been a source of legendary California wine since 1889. Since the 1950’s the vinification and élevage of Mayacamas remains remarkably consistent and our continued commitment to employ classical techniques and tools is integral to the character of these wines. The mountain terroir at Mayacamas ranges from 1,800 to 2,400 feet in elevation and the estate spans 475 acres, only 50 of which are dedicated to vine. The region’s richly intense, age-worthy wines reflect the independent spirit of its mountain growers and vintners, borne of rugged conditions that demand craftsmanship at the highest level.
The 2020 is dense, dark, and brooding. An inviting richness comprised of black fruits: mountain berry, plum, and cherry. The intensity of the fruit profile is threaded by clove, leather, and dried herbs. A luxurious profile, savory tannin core with a persistent finish accented by cacao and menthol.
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
95 James Sucklinng A creamy texture surrounds pretty floral and black fruit flavors in this elegant, poised wine. It escaped the vintage's smoke effects, and offers pure blackcurrant and black cherry flavors that expand on the palate and linger in the finish. Medium- to full-bodied. Made from 100% cabernet sauvignon. From organically grown grapes.
94 Jeb Dunnuck The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon is nevertheless a beautiful wine. Offering ripe black fruits intermixed with smoky herbs, graphite, and cedar pencils, it has medium-bodied richness, a pure, focused mouthfeel, firm yet integrated tannins, and outstanding length. This structured, Bordeaux-like effort is unquestionably a success in the vintage and should benefit from another 2-3 years of bottle age and shine over the following decade or so. It will be interesting to see if the fruit holds up to the tannins here when all is said and done.
94 Vinous The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the wines of this very challenging harvest. Dark and imposing, the 2020 is packed with black fruit, cloves, leather, menthol, chocolate and dried herbs. This is an especially dense, potent Cabernet. There is some aggressiveness to the tannins, but that is the vintage. Overall, this is impeccably done, especially within the context of the year.
92 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The grapes for Mayacamas's 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon were harvested between September 5th and 16th, well before the Glass Fire. To mitigate any possible smoke exposure from the LNU Complex Fires, the fruit was rinsed, maceration times were shortened, and the press wine was kept separate (and ultimately mostly bulked out). The results speak for themselves, as the wine offers up clean cassis, cherries and blueberries, plus hints of sage and cracked pepper. It's medium to full-bodied and firmly built, with dusty tannins on the finish. Rating: 92+
92 Wine Spectator This is zesty and lively, with good energy (especially for a '20) to the mix of bramble, sweet bay and chaparral notes liberally infusing its core of black currant and bitter plum fruit. Taut and structured, with a cast iron note bolting through the finish. Needs some time to settle in but is loaded with character and nicely done for the vintage. Best from 2027 through 2037.
