Winemaker Notes
The 2007 Cinq Cépages ("Five Varieties") is a Bordeaux-style blend consisting ofCabernet Sauvignon (75%), Merlot (10%), Cabernet Franc (9%), Malbec (4%),and Petit Verdot (2%). All five varietal components are used each vintage tocreate the stylized blend that is Cinq Cépages.
The 2007 vintage of the Cinq Cépages is one of elegance. The nose is vivid witharomas of ripe blackberry, plum and rose petal floral notes. The palate offers arich, plush dark fruit density surrounded by fine tannins and a raw silk texture.Complex layers of boysenberry, black plum and roasted coffee combine beautifullywith notes of mocha. This wine has beautiful oak integration and a juicy core thatleads to a lingering finish with hints of clove spice.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Their famous cuvee, which was once named Wine Spectator Wine of the Year, the 2007 Cinq Cepages is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon in this vintage. Hints of bay leaf, black currant, sweet cherry, cedar and subtle smoke are all present in this lush, medium to full-bodied, opulent and heady wine. Broad and savory, it seems to be on a fast evolutionary track and should be drunk over the next decade.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Home to a diverse array of smaller AVAs with varied microclimates and soil types, Sonoma County has something for every wine lover. Physically twice as large as Napa Valley, the region only produces about half the amount of wine but boasts both tremendous quality and variety. With its laid-back atmosphere and down-to-earth attitude, the wineries of Sonoma are appreciated by wine tourists for their friendliness and approachability. The entire county intends to become a 100% sustainable winegrowing region by 2019.
Sonoma County wines are produced with carefully selected grape varieties to reflect the best attributes of their sites—Dry Creek Valley’s consistent sunshine is ideal for Zinfandel, while the warm Alexander Valley is responsible for rich, voluptuous red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are important throughout the county, most notably in the cooler AVAs of Russian River, Sonoma Coast and Carneros. Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Syrah have also found a firm footing here.