As we move into this second month of a brand new year, many are recommitting to the New Year’s resolutions we made just a few weeks ago with renewed vigor. A particularly relevant topic that comes to the surface during this time is the art of indulging in our passions responsibly. Cue The Mill Keeper Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine that not only delights the palate but also warms the heart. The Mill Keeper has poured its efforts into safeguarding the natural beauty of California and the broader United States.

By consistently backing the National Parks Conservation Association and the Napa Valley State Parks Association through generous sponsorships and donations, The Mill Keeper demonstrates its dedication to preserving our wild spaces. Here’s a toast to ethical consumption: may your glass be as green as the vineyards of California!

The wine: Open a bottle and let your taste buds take a walk on the wild side with a blend that’s all about the dark and juicy secrets of blackberries, brambleberries, and plump plums, all merrily mingling with the sun-dried whispers of cranberries and a sweet molasses hug. It’s a flavor party, rounded off with cuddly tannins. Aromatically, this wine is like a bouquet of red cherry and dried cranberries, dressed up with violets, nutmeg, and a dash of barrel spice. Turn any ordinary evening into a gourmet adventure by pairing this with your go-to grilled delights, succulent roasts, or a board of bold cheeses.

The background: The Mill Keeper, a gem from the cellars of Gamble Family Vineyards, draws its essence from the pioneering spirits of Napa’s first mill keepers in the vibrant mid-1800s. This all helped lay the groundwork for today’s celebrated wine producers, essentially making Napa a synonym for viticultural excellence. Paying tribute to these early visionaries, The Mill Keeper wines embody the Gamble Family’s ambition to encapsulate the fruits of such laborious love and the rich heritage of Napa.

In the heart of Napa Valley, where innovation meets tradition, Tom Gamble has been a part of putting sustainability with a visionary approach at the forefront. Not to mention, he was instrumental in shaping pivotal California sustainable initiatives like Fish Friendly Farming and the Napa Green programs. At their century-old Napa Valley estate, the family has been seen to be ahead of the curve, embracing regenerative agriculture practices since they swapped traditional farming and ranching for vineyards back in the swinging ’60s… way before “regenerative” even became the buzzword it is today. They’re committed to not just sustaining but enriching their slice of Napa, ensuring lands thrive for generations to come.

This approach is beyond just the idea of “sustainable” – this isn’t just about keeping things green; it’s about thinking bigger, looking after the whole ecosystem, not just the vines. Merely being sustainable is like aiming for a C+ when you could score an A.

Launched in 2021, this Multi-Vintage (MV) Cabernet Sauvignon reflects Tom’s admiration for the French tradition of blending vintages to achieve remarkable consistency and quality, particularly inspired by Champagne. This approach not only honors the unique story of each vintage but also embraces grapes typically overlooked due to their lower ripeness levels. This clever twist celebrates the journey of each year’s harvest but also gives a stage to those underripe grapes that might miss the spotlight otherwise. By collaborating with a commercial winery capable of meticulously separating the desirable juice from the seeds and skins, The Mill Keeper wines transform what would’ve been waste into a vibrant, fresh, and lively wine that’s accessible.

Find more info at:

https://themillkeeper.com

Disclosure: Sample bottles of wines were received. Samples submitted to Shall We Wine are for review and thoroughly assessed before posting.