In the cellars at Stein, from Vom Boden. 
Ulli Stein has long been respected as one of the most dynamic winemakers in Germany, known for his irreverent fusion of the traditions of the Mosel with his own innate independent streak. He has spent most of his career working to save at-risk heritage vineyards in the region. His tireless efforts have proven that these steep slate vineyards planted with ungrafted vines can produce some of the most compelling Rieslings coming from the region today. He has also been a staunch advocate of red wine production in the Mosel. It might seem like a crazy idea, but when you try the wine we’re offering today, you’ll quickly become a believer too.

Today we are very happy to present one of the quirkier wines he has ever dreamt up, resulting from the decision to plant Cabernet Sauvignon in the Mosel 30 years ago. Ulli started planting a few small parcels of Cabernet along with Merlot and even some Sangiovese in the 1980s simply to see how they would perform.  For years nothing really came of the two vineyards of Cabernet, but slowly as the climate has warmed Ulli’s patience and commitment have paid off.  When the team at Vom Boden, their American importer, tasted the Vom Berg Cabernet Sauvignon last year, they were floored and scrambled to get some for the American market.

It’s no stretch to say that this is one of the most satisfying red wines we have ever tasted from Germany and certainly one of the most soulful Cabernets we’ve had in a long time. Vom Berg means “from the mountain” and is a very apt description – this wine tastes like mountain Cabernet made generations ago in California, herbal and earthy, with deep notes of currants and blackberry.  It isn’t boisterous and fruity, rather it is savory and lifted with very fine tannins and bright acidity. Any lover of old school Napa or Bordeaux will find a wine that seems very familiar and comforting. There simply aren’t many wines like this made anymore.

These wines are offered on a first come, first served basis. Follow the links below to purchase directly from our site or call/email us if you need assistance.

Cheers,
  
THE WINE
 
STEIN - CABERNET SAUVIGNON, VOM BERG 2017
24+ BOTTLES AVAILABLE
$49.99/BOTTLE
Planted in the late 80’s through the early 90’s on steep slopes with slate and clay soils. The grapes are destemmed and fermented for two weeks, then aged for 20 months in barrels, about half new, and bottled without filtration. This wine is almost more reminiscent of Cabernet Franc than most modern Cabernet Sauvignon, with plenty of lift and deeply earthy flavors. Tart berry fruit with currants and blackberries forming a core inflected by cedar, violets, and forest floor. Elegant with very fine tannins and plenty of acidity, this will stand up to richer foods like steak or leg of lamb without issue. It will continue to age gracefully for at least a decade. A stunning bottle of wine in a style not often found anymore.