Cabernet Sauvignon, Mount Veeder

With a history that stretches back for the better part of a century, the Taub family have spent generations exploring (and pushing the boundaries of) fine wine. In fact, fine wine has always been the family’s north star. After watching his father and grandfather explore Italy’s mountainous north in the 1970s — ultimately introducing Americans to Italian Pinot Grigio — Marc Taub and now his son, Jake, are forging new paths in some of Napa’s most iconic appellations. This 2023 Mt. Veeder release displays exceptional depth and structure, a hallmark of one of Napa’s coolest and most rugged districts.

The 2023 growing season in Napa unfolded as one of the longest and most even in recent memory. Generous winter and spring rains set ideal conditions as vineyards moved into bud break. A mild summer with steady daytime temps supported healthy canopy growth through bloom and fruit set. Consistently cool conditions and abundant sun allowed grapes to ripen gradually, promoting deep color development and preserving freshness. Harvest kicked off in late September and continued into late October. The extended season provided ample hang time, resulting in wines of exceptional balance and elegance, with refined structure and vibrant acidity.

Maayan Koschitzky applies a technically focused approach that emphasizes vineyard precision, controlled extraction, and structural balance. Fruit is night harvested at optimal ripeness, with careful attention to tannin maturity and acid balance in the vineyard. Grapes are destemmed, optically sorted, and fermented in small lots — each vineyard block is managed independently, often using a combination of pump-overs and gentle punch-downs to regulate extraction and build texture without excessive tannin. Fermentations are conducted at moderate temps to preserve aromatic purity while developing color and structure. Following primary fermentation, extended maceration integrates tannins; the wines are then aged 18 months in French oak to add complexity. Through detailed barrel selection/blending, Maayan aims to create Cabernet that combines density and concentration with freshness, refined tannins, and clear site expression.

Limpid and vibrant in the glass, with pure aromas of mountain-grown dark berry fruit. The palate is richly textured and fleshy, carrying depth and concentration while maintaining balance and lift. Fine-grained tannins leave a subtly sweet impression, guiding the wine to a long, polished finish.