Arnot Roberts Montecillo Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 (750ML)

Northern California’s long, steady 2023 season gave the old vines at Montecillo Vineyard time to reach full ripeness without losing freshness. Mike Lee planted the site in 1964 at 1,700 to 1,800 feet on the Mayacamas side of the Sonoma Valley, above the fog line, and its dry-farmed, head-trained vines bear small, concentrated berries in iron-rich red volcanic soil. Arnot-Roberts fermented with native yeasts and 30% whole clusters, then aged the wine in neutral French oak. Dark fruit and cassis come first, followed by espresso, licorice, crushed gravel, menthol, dried herbs, cedar and lavender, with firm, finely cut tannin and a fresh, stony finish. Critics see it opening around 2028, and when it does it will stand up to grilled ribeye, beef Wellington or steak au poivre.