Led by legendary consulting winemaker Françoise Peschon and winemaker/viticulturist Elizabeth Tangney, Cornell Vineyards is a remarkable estate in the Mayacamas Range just west of Spring Mountain. Its soils— shaped by ancient seabeds and volcanic activity— range from volcanic rock and sandstone to shale and cobblestone, mapped into 20 distinct blocks totaling approximately 18 acres under vine. The 2021 Estate Cabernet opens with alluring notes of cocoa, violet, and candied orange, unfolding into layers of dark blueberry, cassis, and blackberry accented by fennel and coffee. Powerful yet graceful, its fine tannins promise longevity while the fruit reflects the mountain’s vibrant, sunlit character.