Flint Knoll Keenan Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain District 2017

It’s often that the great wines we continue to remember take us back to a place and time, evoking memories of being together with family and friends, celebrations of love, and honoring lifes transformations. For founder Aaron Michaelis, the memories he cherishes most are that of the tall prairie grass and endless sunflowers of the meandering Flint Hills of eastern Kansas where he spent a childhood filled with outdoor adventures. In 2013, Aaron moved to California from Wichita, Kansas. It was this leap of faith that launched Aaron’s fascination of wine, and a final move to the Napa Valley cemented his future in the industry. Aaron worked in sales, marketing, and product development with boutique wineries and vineyards across the valley, and finally in 2016, Aaron’s dream of creating a small portfolio of artisanal wines became reality when he teamed with veteran winemaker, and Thomas Rivers Brown alum, Andy Jones to create the first vintage of Flint Knoll. Spring Mountain is defined by vineyards that range from small to smaller, often hand-tilled on terraces and sloping meadows, with wineries hidden from view among dark forests and steep winding roads. Despite its limited space and remoteness, the appellation has continued to produce an abundance of wines acclaimed worldwide for unmistakably intense flavors and delicate, balanced tannins now considered the signature of Spring Mountain. Flint Knoll sources its Cabernet Sauvignon from the acclaimed Keenan vineyard (affectionately known as “Big K”), and Aaron selected a block that sits at the highest elevation on the property. Nestled in at 1700-1900 feet above sea level, this intense yet elegant deep purple Cabernet leaps from the glass with aromas of black currant, pipe tobacco, and black cherry. Touches of oak, graphite, and black pepper on the palate are complemented by notes of blackberry and baking spice. This is a full-bodied wine with solid structure and seamless and silky tannins. Only 75 cases produced.