Winemaker Notes
The Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon is deep, purple-ruby in color with aromas of toffee, dried cranberry, and chocolate-covered raspberries with hints of soft hazelnut and baking spices. A juicy entry on the mouth delivers plush, fine tannins with a velvety texture. This approachable, medium-bodied cabernet has full, yet silky flavors of lush milk chocolate, strawberry, and raspberry crumble with graham cracker. A finale of round tannins leads to a dry, smooth finish. It plays nicely with California grass-fed beef burgers, balsamic lamb shank, or grilled beef short ribs.
Blend: 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Malbec, 6% Merlot
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This smooth, mouthfilling but not heavy wine is scented with black plums, black cherries and maple, followed by rich, ripe fruit flavors and a very polished texture. Light tannins add to an easy touch on the palate.
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James Suckling
Notes of ripe blackberries and plum skins with sweet licorice, rose petals and pine wood. Full-bodied and a little tight with firm tannins, yet succulent and fruit-forward at the same time. Spicy and lingering finish.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2021 Banshee Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon is stylish with excellent stay power on the palate. TASTING NOTES: This wine shines with aromas and flavors of black fruits, licorice, blackcurrants, and oaky notes. Enjoy it with grilled Korean-style short ribs.
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.