USA — wine

Spring Mountain District AVA

One of Napa Valley's most prestigious mountain AVAs, rising from 400 to 2,600 feet on the western Mayacamas Range. The steep volcanic and metamorphic soils stress the vines, producing small-berried, concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon with extraordinary intensity and aging potential. Spring Mountain's wines are structured, earthy, and profoundly different from valley-floor Napa — more reminiscent of Pauillac than the Napa mainstream.

Year Rating Notes
2023 Well-balanced mountain vintage with good natural acidity from elevation.
2022 Record quality across Spring Mountain; Cain Five earned exceptional critical reception.
2021 Recovery vintage; mountain terroir's drainage provided advantage in dry year.
2020 Smoke taint from Glass Fire affected some lots; Pride Mountain less impacted due to elevation.
2019 Strong vintage; mountain wines showed their characteristic earthy power.
2018 Outstanding vintage; Pride Mountain Cabernet earned 100 points from Wine Advocate.
2017 Wildfire smoke affected some valley lots; mountain AVAs generally less impacted.
2016 Classic Spring Mountain vintage; structured wines with exceptional aging potential.
2015 Mountain vineyards shielded from valley heat; outstanding ripeness with freshness.