Winemaker Notes
Originally planted by the Stefani family at the turn of the century, this vineyard is located in the heart of the Canyon Valley, a southwest-northeast corridor connecting Sonoma County's Dry Creek and Alexander Valley. Here, soils consist of as much as 30% gravel and small stones; a combination of Pleasanton and Clough series.
Cabernet Sauvignon grapes for this wine were 100% Estate Grown and hand harvested. To intensify varietal character, we employed site-specific vertical trellising, and meticulous shoot and leaf removal to ensure that grape clusters received just the right amount of sunlight exposure for optimal ripening.
The hand harvested clusters were de-stemmed but not crushed, to increase the percentage of whole berries in the fermenter and reduce the potential for bitter tannin extraction. Once dry, the wine was aged in French, European and American oak barrels for an average of 24 months to enhance bouquet, flavor, and body.
The wine completed malolactic fermentation, and was bottled unfined and with minimal filtration
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.