MARSTON FAMILY VINEYARDS BROKEN VERTICAL

I have been a fan of winery for several years now.
For me it was one of my first loves from Napa.
Through the years I have done some moderate collecting of this producer so I decided it was time to open this "broken" vertical of Marston Family Vineyards Cabernet.
So we had a Superbowl BBQ party at the house and got down to work.
For those of you not familiar with their wines here is a bit of info from the winery.

A hidden gem with a unique location and its own microclimate. Represents the Spirit of Spring Mountain District Appellation. It is the most southern, easterly facing vineyard on Spring Mountain on White Sulphur Springs Road. It sits isolated alone at an elevation of approximately 1,100 feet between two streams in a canyon surrounded by forever-wild conservation land donated by the Marston family. Cool afternoon breezes pass through a gap in the Mayacamas directly west of the vineyard permitting the fruit to ripen slowly and uniformly. Established vineyard since the late 1800’s, Marston Family Vineyard produces a limited quantity of single vineyard, proprietor grown, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon made by acclaimed winemaker, Philippe Melka.

“This wine showcases the distinction of the specific blocks we select and cultivate by hand. Blocks 3A, 3C and 6A are the heart of the vineyard expressing the very best characteristics of the Marston mountain fruit. Though Marston Family Vineyard is part of the Spring Mountain Appellation, it has its own unique microclimate due to the location sitting south easterly facing, exhibits dark berry fruits and is harvested later than most other vineyards in Napa Valley. Intense and focused, the palate exhibits flavors of black currant, violet, acacia & blueberry. The aromas of stones, berries, wildflowers and earth are packed into the wine with complex, well structured tannins. This wine will age well for many years.” 
– Winemaker, Philippe Melka

• 1998 Marston Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 87 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District

  Signature style for the producer. Has mellowed well with age. Never the block buster that the others were but still well balanced with nice dark fruit. Not overly complex but considering the vintage a very nice wine.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• 1999 Marston Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 91 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District

  This wine is drinking very harmoniously right now by containing the alcohol. It is very much like the 1998 in finesse however the fruit was much more pure and alive. Signature cassis and blackberry flavors but without the liquor like finish that is present in the other vintages.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• 2001 Marston Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 91 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District

  In comparison to the 2 previous vintages the oak is much more present in this wine. Lovely dark fruit with a spicy oak driven liquor like finish. The mouth feel is very seductive and enjoyable without much heat.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• 2002 Marston Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 93 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District

  Still my favorite of all the vintages I have tried. Much darker sold core of fruit in a velvet glove of coco driven oak. Palate coating and very easy to consume. A wine that has mellowed with age and has become a great mountain cab.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• 2003 Marston Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 89 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District

  Ok now this one was the stand out of the tasting. Not because it was bad, in fact it was very good, the reason was the departure in style. This vintage seemed almost earthy and old word in comparison to the others. The fruit was less pronounced, the acidity seemed higher, and the oak did not seem to take a huge role. I am not sure where this wine is going it will be interesting to see in the next few years.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• 2004 Marston Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 88 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District

  Typical young Marston wine. At this stage dark fruit and oak collide on the palate to wake the drinker up with power. The finish is tannic and hot. This one needs time to come together and strike a balance as the older vintages have. Give it time.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

It should be noted that the winery has made a gradual switch from, Barrel Aging: 18 months- 50% New Barrels (1998) to 18 months- 75% New Barrels (2002) to 22 months, 75% New Barrels (2004). The oak seemed to make a huge statement the 01 and 02 vintages but in a good way. For me oak is just part of this region and this producers style.