Maybach Vocabulum Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 2023

For 100 years, the name Maybach has been synonymous with quality at the finest level. The tradition established by the proprietor of Maybach Wines, Chris Maybach, honors his ancestor's tradition of individuality and craftsmanship with his hand-made wines. 2023 marks the 20th year working with winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, whose minimalist approach to his craft encourages the expression of regional characteristics in their wines, notably through rich aromas and opulent flavors.

From humble beginnings as a trainee in a German orphanage, Wilhelm Maybach came to invent the high-speed internal combustion engine, which led to his creation of the first motorcycle. In 1901, as chief engineer and business partner to Gottlieb Daimler, he designed and built the first Mercedes cars. In 1996 Wilhelm Maybach was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in Detroit. Wilhelm's son, Karl Maybach, developed the first high-speed diesel engine and constructed motors for the Zeppelin airships that circled the globe in the 1920s and 30s. Advancing his father's legacy, Karl founded the Maybach car company, wherein he applied his own inventions and technological advancements. The result was a line of vehicles that earned worldwide praise and an unparalleled reputation. In 2002, Daimler AG revitalized the Maybach brand to recognize the father and son who played a monumental role in defining German engineering.

Sourced from the Ecotone Vineyard, formerly known as Thorevilos, and the fourth release of Vocabulum, the 2023 is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. The soil from Ecotone is primarily volcanic rock and produces wines of depth and finesse. Thomas Rivers Brown notes “Vivid aromatic notes can be detected from an arms-length away: cassis, white lilac and black peppercorn. The palate experience is notably buttoned-up showing the power of this eastern St. Helena site. With some coaxing in the glass, there’s a gracious expansion through the mid palate, finishing long with airy floral, mixed savory and red/black fruit notes. The structure though is really what stands out in the wine. Our fifth year here and it feels like we are just beginning to understand what this site offers and the patience needed to unlock all its potential.”