Winemaker Notes
Selecting top quality fruit from vineyards in Sonoma County's best appellations gives Blackstone its signature fruit-forward style along with backbone and complexity. 2002 was a fantastic growing season for Sonoma County. The Sonoma Valley vineyards provided bright fruit flavors. Grapes from our Dry Creek Valley and Alexander Valley vineyards provided fullness to the wine while the Sonoma Coast vineyards gave us classic structure and true varietal character. After the grapes were hand-harvested, Blackstone Winemaker Dennis Hill crushed and cold-soaked the grapes for three days to maximize flavor and color extraction. The grapes were pressed just prior to completing fermentation, emphasizing forward fruit characteristics. The wine was then aged in a mix of French (55%), American (40%) and Hungarian (5%) oak barrels for 15 to 20 months.
The Blackstone Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon shows aromas and flavors of bright, fresh cherry with hints of spice, pepper and violets. This is a big, powerful Cabernet, but the tannins are smooth and round, making it enjoyable now. The wine has a long, flavor-packed finish.
Enjoy this pleasing Cabernet Sauvignon with filet mignon with blue cheese and walnuts, barbecued tri-tip, creamy pasta dishes or cheeses, such as Parmesan Reggiano and smoked gouda.
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.