Cabernet Sauvignon Livingston Moffett Vineyard (1985)

About this wine

This 1985 Cabernet Sauvignon from Livingston Moffett Vineyard offers a deep garnet hue, indicative of its age. On the nose, it presents aromas of dried blackcurrant, leather, and a hint of tobacco. The palate reveals layers of dark cherry, cedar, and subtle earthy undertones, complemented by well-integrated tannins that have softened over time. Howell Mountain's unique terroir, characterized by its volcanic soils and higher elevation, contributes to the wine's distinctive structure and longevity. This vintage reflects the exceptional growing conditions of 1985, a year noted for producing balanced and age-worthy Napa Valley Cabernets.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape variety that originated in France, has become a cornerstone of Napa Valley's wine industry. In the Howell Mountain region, known for its volcanic soils and higher elevations, Cabernet Sauvignon thrives, producing grapes with concentrated flavors and robust tannins. The 1985 Livingston Moffett Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a prime example of how this grape adapts to Howell Mountain's unique terroir, resulting in wines that are both powerful and age-worthy. This vintage reflects the dedication of vintners in the 1980s who recognized the potential of Howell Mountain for cultivating exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon.

Quick facts

• 🍇 The 1985 Livingston Moffett Cabernet Sauvignon hails from the Moffett Vineyard, established in 1969 on Napa Valley's western slopes.
• 🌋 The Moffett Vineyard's deep volcanic soils and high, well-ventilated trellising contribute to the superior quality of its grapes.
• 🍷 The 1985 vintage in Napa Valley was exceptional, producing wines with remarkable aging potential.
• 🏔️ Howell Mountain, where the Moffett Vineyard is located, was designated as an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 1984, recognizing its unique terroir.
• 🥂 The 1985 Livingston Moffett Cabernet Sauvignon is noted for its rich flavors and balanced structure, reflecting the exceptional quality of that vintage.

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.