The voice of the mountain: Vocal Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon from Bates Ranch

In a region often synonymous with rich, high-octane wines, Vocal Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon offers a refreshing, modern counterpoint to the typical California style. Crafted by sommelier-turned-winemaker Ted Glennon, this wine is a precise and elegant expression of one of California’s most dynamic and challenging growing regions: the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Glennon’s winemaking ethos is built on a single, compelling idea: amplifying the natural tension inherent in the vineyard. This tension exists between the sun and the fog, the cool mountain air and the California warmth, resulting in a Cabernet Sauvignon that shows off the state’s cooler, more alpine side. The wine’s philosophy is rooted in “honesty over cosmetics,” focusing on true varietal character and the unique voice of its terroir.

The historic Bates Ranch terroir

The fruit for Vocal’s celebrated Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from the historic Bates Ranch vineyard. Located approximately forty miles south of the famed Monte Bello and Mount Eden sites, Bates Ranch is a special, sought-after parcel tucked into the redwoods and live oak savannahs on the back side of Mount Madonna.

This site is uniquely influenced by the deep, cold currents of the Monterey Bay. The result is a coastal growing region characterized by persistent wind, chilly nights, and intense California sunshine—a combination that allows the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to develop deep flavor concentration while retaining vibrant acidity.

Crucially, the vines at Bates Ranch are truly old-world in origin. Vocal sources its allocation from hillside rows of the original, own-rooted, dry-farmed 1969 planting. These fifty-year-old vines—never needing irrigation—dig deep into the soil, producing grapes of profound complexity and distinction that carry the chiseled elegance only possible with age.

A fresh take on a classic grape

Vocal Vineyards treats this high-quality fruit with intentional simplicity. The wine is made in a reserve style, emphasizing its ability to age gracefully. Following a simple destemming, the wine rests in barrels—often for less than two years—to allow for the refinement of its tannin and fruit structure.

On the palate, this cool-climate approach yields a wine that is spicy and rich, yet remarkably supple. It possesses a bright, mountain acidity that lifts the joyful fruit, setting it apart from its denser, more opulent Central Valley counterparts. Reviewers often describe it as herbaceous and chiseled, reflecting the alpine energy and mineral character imparted by the Santa Cruz Mountains.

The Vocal Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to the fact that great California Cabernet doesn’t always have to be about power and ripeness. It is a powerful voice for the old-vine heritage and cool-climate potential of the Santa Cruz Mountains, delivering an elegant and age-worthy experience for those seeking depth and clarity in their wine.

find more on https://www.vocalvineyards.com/