Cabernet Sauvignon Livingston Moffett Vineyard (1986)

About this wine

The 1986 Livingston Moffett Cabernet Sauvignon from Howell Mountain presents a deep garnet hue, indicative of its age. On the nose, it offers aromas of blackcurrant, plum, and subtle hints of cedar. The palate reveals a blend of dark fruit flavors, complemented by notes of tobacco and toasty oak. Medium-to-full tannins provide structure, leading to a moderately long finish. This wine reflects the characteristic depth and complexity of Howell Mountain Cabernets from that era.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape variety originating from Bordeaux, France, is renowned for its thick skins and small berries, which contribute to wines with deep color and robust tannins. In the 1986 Livingston Moffett Cabernet Sauvignon from the Moffett Vineyard, this grape was cultivated in the Howell Mountain region of Napa Valley, an area celebrated for its volcanic soils and elevated vineyards. These conditions provide excellent drainage and cooler temperatures, allowing the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to develop concentrated flavors and balanced acidity. The Moffett Vineyard, established in 1969, has a history of producing high-quality fruit, supplying notable wineries like Chappellet and Spring Mountain in the 1970s.

Quick facts

• 🏆 The 1986 Livingston Moffett 'Moffett Vineyard' Cabernet Sauvignon hails from Napa Valley, a region that gained international acclaim after the 1976 Judgment of Paris, where its wines outperformed French counterparts.
• ⛰️ This wine originates from the Howell Mountain AVA, the first sub-appellation within Napa Valley, established in 1983, known for its high-elevation vineyards that produce intensely flavored grapes.
• 🌞 The 1986 vintage in California was exceptional, characterized by moderate temperatures and optimal growing conditions, leading to wines with excellent balance and aging potential.
• 🍇 Cabernet Sauvignon, the grape variety used in this wine, is renowned for its thick skins and small berries, contributing to deep color and robust tannins, which enhance the wine's longevity.
• 🏡 Livingston Moffett Winery, now known as Moffett Vineyards, was founded by the Livingston Moffett family, who transitioned from selling their grapes to producing their own wines in the mid-1980s, showcasing the quality of their Rutherford Bench vineyards.

Palate profile

Producer

Livingston Moffett Winery was established in 1984 by John and Diane Livingston in St. Helena, California, on the historic Rutherford Bench, renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon production. The property featured an 1868 farmhouse and remnants of a stone winery built in 1883, reflecting its rich viticultural heritage. In 1999, due to a trademark dispute with E. & J. Gallo Winery, the name was changed from Livingston Vineyards to Livingston-Moffett Winery. The winery gained acclaim for its single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons, with notable contributions from winemakers like John Kongsgaard and Randy Dunn. In 2005, the Livingston family sold the winery, and their son, Trent Moffett, continued the family's winemaking legacy by founding Moffett Vineyards, initially in Napa Valley and later relocating to Oregon's Willamette Valley in 2014 to focus on Pinot Noir production.