Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
I tasted three Cabernet Sauvignon from the stunning 2013 vintage. The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Spencer Vineyard (420 cases) is the most backward and restrained of the group, but offers outstanding depth, a full-bodied mouthfeel, hints of white chocolate, spice box, blackcurrants and berry fruit. It is deep, full-bodied, intense, but moderately tannic. Forget it for another 2-3 years and drink it over the following 15-20.
Rating: 91+ -
Wine Spectator
Broad, rich and expansive, with a mix of spicy berry, cedar, dill and tobacco leaf overshadowing a trimmer mix of dark berry, licorice and espresso. Ends with chewy tannins. Drink now through 2024.
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
A multifaceted and highly reputable sub-region of Sonoma, Dry Creek Valley is responsible for a wide range of wine styles—both red and white. One of the smallest AVAs in California, Dry Creek Valley has a winning combination of ideal geography and climate. Fertile, well-drained soils create concentrated varietal character while long, warm days, bookended by cool nights, allow grapes to reach full phenolic ripeness and balance. The warm and welcoming appellation is home to a number of family-owned vineyards and wineries that place a strong emphasis on sustainable farming practices.
Zinfandel reigns supreme here and still produces in a great number of very old vineyards—often 100 years old or older. These old vines create a powerful, voluptuous and sultry wine unlike those of any other region. Sauvignon Blanc, the valley’s signature white grape, also performs exceptionally well. Many other varieties grow comfortably here, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Syrah. Petite Sirah is often found in blends with Zinfandel.