Matanzas Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
The dark, crimson color of this wine is immediately deceiving as it follows with a nose that is bright and alive with ripe red raspberry fruit, juicy currant, and a slight hint of nutty oak. The palate ensues with a harmonious marriage of both ripe red and black fruit accompanied by a dusty minerality that runs through the wine from beginning to end. The vivacious character of this wine, unique for Cabernet Sauvignon, reflects its model acidity. Merlot is included in the final blend as a means of balancing and enhancing mid-palate tannins, which often falter in Cabernet Sauvignon. The addition of Cabernet Franc and Syrah create more dynamic, intriguing aromas and encourage a longer, more gratifying, finish.
The goal of Winemaker Francois Cordesse, in collaboration with Vineyard Manager Brandon Axel and Assistant Winemaker Alex Rebel, is to craft a Cabernet Sauvignon that offers the substance and authority characteristic of the varietal while ensuring that the wine is approachable and easily paired with food in the very first year of its release. That said, this wine will continue to evolve and mature over the next five to seven years.
Other Vintages
2000-
Wine
Spectator
Founded in 1977, Matanzas Creek Winery is located on the site of a retired dairy farm in Sonoma County's Bennett Valley. In 1985, the original winery gave way to a modern winemaking facility -- and, since that time, the Estate's Bennett Valley vineyards have grown to include over 280-acres of Chardonnay, Merlot and Syrah. Vineyard acquisitions in Sonoma Valley, Carneros, Russian River Valley and Knights Valley provide the vineyard management and winemaking teams with an enviable selection of fruit.
Although only formally recognized as an AVA in December 2003, Bennett Valley has a rich history of grape growing dating back to the mid-1800s. Once defined as part of Sonoma County's Sonoma Valley and Sonoma Mountain AVA's, Bennett Valley overlaps with these winegrowing regions but carves out 8,150 acres to call its own (of which 850 acres are planted with grapevines). Three mountains define Bennett Valley and also serve to capture a cool maritime air stream which promotes a cooler, longer growing season that results in more complex wines.