2012 Sarocka Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon – Ending the Weekend
The Winery
Sarocka vineyards is located on the top of Spring Mountain. In 2020 with the devastating Glass Fire in Napa Valley, it was reported that they lost all their vineyards and all other structures on the property burned except the home and guest house survived. It also is the home of Irene Scully and family. I have not heard if they will be replanting. It was an amazing 2.5 acre property grandfathered from county ordinances with slopes greater than 30 degrees. It sits at 1200 feet elevation. Well known and respected winemaker Michael Hirby (Realm and Husic wines) today is making this exquisite wine. Typical vintages were typically between 100 to 150 cases each year.
(Photo from Sarocka Wine)
The label and name is to honor Irene’s Lithuanian heritage. The label is modeled after an artwork she purchased from a Lithuanian street artist. It represents the “tree of life” in agricultural mythology in Lithuanian. Sarocka is Irene’s Lithuanian maiden name.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Pulled this out to end the four day holiday here in the U.S., 4th of July. The last time I tasted this wine was in 2021 and it has only aged gracefully. This 2012 is one of 6 bottles left in the cellar. It was on the “Drink in 2023 List” and I was pleased beyond belief as it was fabulous. I still have some 2012’s and 2014’s left in the cellar but have yet to tasted them! I have been purchasing wine from this boutique winery since they opened. Knew the 2012 would improve with aging, but this became even so much better than anticipated.
The 2012 was almost black with a dark red tint around the edges with medium heavy viscosity. On the nose, floral aromas, soft licorice and pepper. On the palate blackberries, dark cherry notes, vanilla, soft oak, cinnamon, chocolate and sweet tobacco abounded. An almost never ending long finish, with rounded smooth tannins and a firm structure showing its pedigree was evident. The wine aged gracefully with new vigor and life. Made with 85% of estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. They show on the second label Scully website, the 2019 Sarocka being offered at $135.
Sláinte,
Michael