SOM Beckstoffer Bourn Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena 2021

When Marc Gagnon and Michael Kennedy struck up their friendship in the early 2010s, it was built on their mutual connections in the wine industry. While the world of wine reaches across the globe, its community of makers is tightly knit. As Marc and Michael embarked on a business journey together to showcase Napa Valley’s impeccable winemaking history and clout, many wine friends offered guidance along the way. And in that counsel, a kernel of an idea sprouted into what is now SOM Wines, a brand created through collaboration. A play on words, SOM stands for “state of mind” and combines the expertise of a team of sommeliers, winemakers, and vignerons, all brought together by Marc and Michael. SOM wines are crafted collaboratively from vineyard sourcing all the way to the bottle.

Few sites in Napa Valley carry a history as storied as Beckstoffer Bourn Vineyard. First planted in 1857 by William Bowers Bourn II (better known as the last Bonanza King of the Gold Rush), the vineyard is steeped in history, both literal and symbolic. Bourn owned the Empire Mine, the largest and richest gold mine in California at the time, and left his mark across St. Helena, including the creation of Greystone Cellars, now home to the Culinary Institute of America. His family stewarded this land for generations until 2010, when Beckstoffer Vineyards acquired thirteen acres from the original estate. The SOM Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted from a selection of noble Cabernet Sauvignon clones in the vineyard, which is defined as much by historical gravitas as it is by viticultural pedigree.

The SOM consortium selected 80% new French oak for the wine’s 20-month aging period. As 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the dark fruit aromas are most prevalent on the nose with secondary notes of baking spice and graphite weaving through. There is power on the palate with structured, velvety tannins and precise acidity that highlights the fruit. Black fruits like blackberry, plum, and black currants remain persistent, running through the finish, layered with minerality and savory herbs. This St. Helena Cab defines micro-production with only 116 cases crafted.