Monte Rosso 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon
From the historic Monte Rosso vineyard in the Moon Mountain District, planted in the 1880s and defined by its deep red volcanic soils, this Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted with a gentle and precise approach in the cellar to express the site’s structure, depth, and enduring sense of place.
From the historic Monte Rosso vineyard planted in the 1880s and defined by its deep red volcanic soils, this Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted with a gentle and precise approach in the cellar to express the site’s structure, depth, and enduring sense of place.
Monte Rosso is one of California’s historic vineyards and a member of the Historic Vineyard Society. First planted in the 1880s to Zinfandel and Sémillon, Cabernet Sauvignon was introduced in the 1940s. Today, the 250-acre property cultivates ten different varieties and stands as one of the original and most iconic estates in the Moon Mountain District.
Located at approximately 1,200 feet of elevation on the Sonoma side of the Mayacamas Mountains, Monte Rosso is defined by its deep red clay soils interwoven with basalt. These intensely colored, volcanic soils shape both vine behavior and wine character. Organically farmed and CCOF certified, Monte Rosso remains a benchmark site for mountain Cabernet Sauvignon.
Our Cabernet Sauvignon block at Monte Rosso is located on a west-facing slope where deep red soils dominate. The vineyard is planted in short rows running east to west, an uncommon orientation chosen to moderate sun exposure and protect fruit from excessive heat during the warmest parts of the day. Ripening is monitored closely throughout the season, with harvest decisions guided by flavor development and tannin maturity.
Grapes are carefully destemmed and gravity-fed into a 5-ton open-top fermenter. The must undergoes a 4–5 day cold soak at 50°F, with daily homogenization to maintain a fresh, protected cap. Fermentation begins as the tank is gradually warmed to 60°F, then allowed to
rise naturally to approximately 86°F. Early extraction is managed with
punch-downs and selective pump-overs, followed by gentler homogenization as fermentation progresses.
Once fermentation is complete, the wine is drained and the pomace gently pressed. The wine settles for 48 hours before being racked to barrel, preserving purity, balance, and site expression.
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Oak
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Reviews
"The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Rosso is superb. Black-toned fruit, graphite, spice, lavender and chocolate are all amplified. Time in the glass opens the layers in an effortless, captivating Cabernet Sauvignon of the highest level. This potent, explosive wine delivers the goods, and then some. It's a stunning, riveting wine from Mai Errazuriz and Rodrigo Soto. Don't miss it."
- 97 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
"There’s so much perfume and fresh fruit purity, with aromas of purple flowers, dried herbs, graphite and exotic spices. The palate is so refined and pure, with a core of fruit that flows across the palate, mouthwatering tannins and bright acidity that leads to a harmonious finish. This is such a pure and complete wine. Delicious. Drink or hold."
- 96 points, James Suckling