The Mt. Veeder appellation has a depth and complexity of soil unique to the Napa Valley. This distinctive diversity of soil coupled with rugged mountain terrain and the diurnal temperature swings produce wines of character. Situated above the fog line at 1600 feet elevation, we’re pleased to showcase the extraordinary Mt. Veeder appellation with the inaugural release of the 2021 Crossroads Mountain Blend and the release of the 2023 Crossroads Ribolla Gialla.
A small yielding vintage, the 2021 Crossroads Mountain Blend is composed predominantly of Merlot, which we now exclusively grow on Mt. Veeder as it is better suited to the terroir. For those of you who have not had the opportunity to try the Rudd Mt. Veeder Estate Leslie’s Blend, the Crossroads Mountain Blend is a great companion to the unique bottling named after my Dad. A bold wine with plush flavors and generous aromatics, the full-bodied nature of this mountain wine is present with generous black cherries, red currants, and a soft sweetness of plums. Grown in small quantities, we look forward to hearing your thoughts on this wine.
With only .45 acres of Ribolla Gialla planted on Mt. Veeder, we’ve truly committed to showcasing this unique varietal which shines in the glass. Aromatically forward with depth and nuance, expect a vibrancy with high acidity and a lively texture, which keeps each sip refreshing. The flavors unfold with a juicy burst of apricot and tangerine, and a youthful minerality which ties it all together. A small production size dictated by this micro planting, we quickly sold-out last year and I encourage you to secure this refreshing white wine sooner rather than later.
After nearly 3 decades of farming this land, featuring the Mt. Veeder appellation and the versatility of the wines made from it gives me great satisfaction. As all Crossroads wines are crafted, we suggest enjoying these wines frequently and upon release.