Winemaker Notes
Kenwood Vineyards' Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon is primarily sourced from vineyards located in the Sonoma, Dry Creek, and Alexander Valleys. Each vineyard is harvested as it reaches the peak of ripeness and kept separate throughout fermentation and aging to preserve its unique flavors.
The vintage of 2012 had nearly perfect growing conditions; a mild and early spring that was followed by a week of hot weather just after bloom was finished in late May. The summer was dry and mild with cool nights that preserved the grapes natural acidity as the crop slowly matured. Indian summer weather in September brought the vines to the peak of flavor before they were harvested in October.
Blend: 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Merlot
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.