A winery dating back to the nineteenth century, Mayacamas Vineyards is one of Napa’s great historic wineries that is known for a very old-world approach in winemaking. The history of this winery is constantly at work as many of their ageing vessels are large format foudrés, some of which have been in constant use in the Mayacamas cellar since the 1920’s. This commitment to large cask ageing is central to the unique style of Mayacamas wine, especially Cabernet Sauvignon.
It is incredible that grapes have been planted on the Mayacamas property since the late 19th century, at elevations of up to 2400 feet above the Valley floor. This estate is known for its mountaintop vineyards for tiny yields of very concentrated mountain grapes. The Taylors, who owned the Estate from 1941 until 1968, were the first to plant Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon vines – still the focus of the Mayacamas production today.
Starting in 2013 much of the vines were replanted as this site focuses on dry farming techniques. I loved the two new releases by Mayacamas, including their very old world style 2020 Chardonnay (OB, 93) which is fresh and concentrated with a downright killer finish. Learn more about this outstanding Napa producer at https://www.mayacamas.com/ and here are the great new releases by Mayacamas.
2020 Mayacamas Chardonnay- The delicious 2020 Mayacamas Chardonnay was harvested very early in mid-August, and was then whole cluster pressed and fermented. Stored in neutral oak barrel, puncheon, and foudre prior to bottling this exudes class with Meyer lemon zest, stony minerals and shades of sourdough bread with crushed wet rock. This is very Chablis vs. Napa. Drink 2022-2032- 93
2019 Mayacamas Merlot- Sourced from older Mt. Veeder plantings, the 2019 Mayacamas Merlot delivers dusty soils alongside black currant candy and shades of espresso bean on the nose. The palate is soft and seamless with silky tannins that frame a core of ripe dark fruits with Black Forest cake flavors. With good verve and viscosity, this is sure to cellar well over the next fifteen years. Drink 2022-2037- 93