Winemaker Notes
The Wedding Vineyard graces the south facing slope of the mountain in front of the winery, and runs the entire length of our secluded estate. Commemorating Fred and Juelle's wedding in 1975, the vineyard is not only an integral part of the winery, but of our family's life here on the mountain.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The two current Cabernet Sauvignon releases, the Coach Insignia and the Wedding Vineyard, are both exceptional wines. They are among the finest of the outstanding 1991 vintage. The 1991 Cabernet Sauvignon Wedding Vineyard is more backward than the Coach Insignia, as well as strikingly rich and unequivocally superb. There are only 100 six-bottle cases of this Sonoma Cabernet. The wine exhibits a black/purple color, and a tight but promising nose of cassis, underbrush, vanillin, and chocolate-covered black-raspberries. Full-bodied, with superb definition, structure, and tannin, this wine possesses immense concentration and a wonderfully natural mouthfeel. It should open up with 2-4 more years of cellaring and keep for at least 20 years.
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.