Estate Bottled Reserve (1980)

About this wine

The 1980 Villa Mt. Eden Estate Bottled Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon offers a deep ruby color with a slight amber edge, indicative of its age. The nose presents aromas of blackcurrant, cedar, and a hint of dried herbs. On the palate, it delivers flavors of ripe blackberry, subtle spice, and earthy undertones, all balanced by well-integrated tannins. The finish is long and smooth, showcasing the wine's maturity and elegance. This vintage reflects the classic Napa Valley style of the era, offering a harmonious blend of fruit and structure.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape variety that emerged from a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th-century France, has become a cornerstone of Napa Valley's wine industry. Its thick skins and small berries contribute to wines with deep color, robust tannins, and excellent aging potential. In the 1980s, Villa Mt. Eden, one of California's oldest wineries founded in 1881, produced estate-bottled Reserve Cabernet Sauvignons that showcased the varietal's adaptability to Napa's diverse microclimates. The 1980 vintage, in particular, benefited from a growing season that, despite initial cool temperatures, concluded with a warm spell, allowing the grapes to achieve optimal ripeness. This period also saw winemakers like Nils Venge, who later crafted the first American wine to receive a perfect score from Robert Parker, contributing to the winery's reputation for quality Cabernet Sauvignon.

Quick facts

• 🏛️ Villa Mt. Eden Winery, established in 1881, is one of Napa Valley's oldest wineries, contributing significantly to the region's rich winemaking history.
• 🍷 The 1980 Villa Mt. Eden Cabernet Sauvignon was crafted by renowned winemaker Nils Venge, who later produced the first American wine to receive a perfect 100-point score from critic Robert Parker.
• 🧬 Cabernet Sauvignon, the grape varietal used in this wine, is a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, a discovery made through DNA analysis in 1996.
• 🌋 Napa Valley's diverse terroir, characterized by a mix of volcanic and sedimentary soils, contributes to the unique flavor profile of its Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
• 🌦️ The 1980 vintage in Napa Valley was marked by a challenging spring leading to uneven flowering, resulting in wines that are ripe yet herbaceous, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of the region's vineyards.

Palate profile

Producer

Villa Mt. Eden, established in 1881, is one of Napa Valley's oldest wineries. Originally located where PlumpJack Winery now stands, it was acquired by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates in 1986, and operations were moved to the Conn Creek Winery facility on Silverado Trail. The winery sourced grapes from various California regions, including Sonoma, Napa, Santa Barbara, and Amador counties. Notably, Villa Mt. Eden was the only American winery to receive the top award 'Trophee' at the 1997 Vinexpo Competition.