Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Staiger Vineyard

The label alone looks like it has a retirement account and strong opinions about interest rates. From the moment it hit the decanter, this wine felt….important. Pale garnet in the glass with tertiary notes already gently wafting…..earth, dried herbs, and something quietly complex that made me pause mid-pour. And then the realization hit: Did we just discover something we weren’t supposed to find? Zero reviews on Cellar Tracker. No chatter. Nothing. Suddenly I’m Nicholas Cage in National Treasure, squinting at …

Dark red. Wild berry explosion in the nose with pain d'épices. This is so expressive, tingling acidity and there is some VA. Concentrated medium body, quite a lot of power here. Tannin is totally integrated.

Med red/amber. Opened yesterday. Nuanced red fruit, but mainly cedar and sandlewood. Long interesting finish. Bright acid and a grip. Ready to go