Winemaker Notes
On the palate, concentrated flavors of ripe black fruits, cassis and cherry fill the mouth, with solid tannins giving it backbone. Cassis and cherry linger on in the long, structured finish. In using Arrowood's non-interventional approach to winemaking, this wine was neither fined or filtered in order to preserve its vibrant varietal character.
Suggested Food Pairings
The 2002 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon is easily revered on its own, but will absolutely compliment and complete your culinary experience. Serve it with an herbed red wine sauce over beef tenderloin. Pair it with chicken and lamb dishes, fish or seafood, or a simple barbequed New York steak.
Professional Ratings
While Sonoma County is acclaimed—and rightfully so—for its Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and Zinfandels, it also produces exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. Of the region’s 18 American Viticultural Areas, only a handful produce top-notch Cabernet Sauvignon. These appellations include Alexander Valley, Knights Valley, Sonoma Valley and Dry Creek Valley. Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignons made in these appellations can offer a complex array of aromas and flavors. Fruit notes such as blackberry, blackcurrant, cassis, black cherry and raspberry often are accompanied by hints of graphite, dusty earth, cigar box, toast and vanilla. The varietal has a rich history in Sonoma, and some of these Cabernet Sauvignons and Cabernet-based blends rival the best from Napa Valley.