Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
A very fine Cabernet that combines the modern cult style of ripeness with old-fashioned structure to produce a wine of exceptional appeal. It's rich in mountain-intense black currants, bitter chocolate, spices and smoky oak, wrapped into splendid tannins, and the finish is thoroughly dry. The grapes are from the Sonoma side of Spring Mountain, and the winemaker was veteran Marco DiGiulio. Now–2013.
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.